JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #51 - September 2009 - 23

Niche market Catch the attention Sinuous and attractive to the eye, composite products have entered the furnishing world, demonstrating their versatility and suitability for rounded surfaces that are asymmetric, hollow, light and resistant – properties that few other production techniques can achieve. “ am constantly researching materials, technologies and technical applications”, says Massimiliano Della Monaca. “but I have to admit that composites, and especially carbon fibre, are materials that stimulate my creativity better than others.” “By choice, all the products I design are made using the best technology available for composite fibres, just like in aeronautics: epoxy Ureol model, moulds in pre-impregnated carbon fibre or glass fibre, and autoclave processing. This technique yields high-quality products, with great care to detail and finishing.” I achieved a Guinness World Record as “the lightest chair in the world”, and backpacks, belts, and the fun, 3-metrediameter Tremetri ceiling fan. The bathroom collection The CC381 bathroom collection includes a spectacular washbasin and its coordinated CC381.P shower plate, both entirely made of carbon fibre. CC381 The concave part of this one-piece washbasin was the most critical point. The first problem that needed to be solved was the basin mould’s undercut. Then, the designer turned his attention to planning the fabric placement to avoid stretch marks and unattractive curves in the fibre lines. To increase the resistance of the flat surface, he used a Nomex® honeycomb sandwich structure. For the locking Products Some of the products designed by Massimiliano Della Monaca using composite materials are the Plasma shower column, the Spectro shower-head, the Phibra racing bike with a very innovative design, the Estrema, which system, a combination of aluminium and 3M velcro turned out to be a very good alternative to mechanical locking, which would have had a negative impact on the washbasin design. The carbon-fibre washbasin is intended for the housing or boating sectors. It is jointless, weighs only 3 kg and is fairly large (160 x 45 x 45 cm). The design resembles the delicate contours of a boat, adding space to the very practical basin. The CC381’s neat profile and apparent simplicity are the fruit of extensive studies and research on the technology, design, materials and functionality involved. The meticulous research on paints, for example, yielded a durable surface that is highly resistant to washing powders and day-to-day utilization. CC381.P Aesthetics was a priority for this large part, so carbon technology was used. This required paying careful attention to fibre and fabric placement in relation to the different inclinations and angles in order to achieve perfect line contours and surface finish, and in general the best possible results. A vitrifying resin was applied on the surface of the shower plate to make it resistant to wear and ageing. The design’s clean lines pay homage to carbon fibre, while respecting traditional size and type parameters (square shower plate, rectangular and rounded corners). Contact: mdm@mdmworld.eu More information: www.mdmworld.eu Focus About Massimiliano Della Monaca, designer Massimiliano Della Monaca was born in Borgosesia (VC) - Italy - in 1972. He has a passion for his work, a love for “custom-made” products, and a canny eye for detail. He uses his good taste to invent new solutions for old problems. In 1996, Massimiliano Della Monaca founded the MDM studio, starting his business with a focus on the design and engineering of industrial products. Later, he broadened his activities to include graphics, communications, and consulting for marketing strategies. By tirelessly studying materials and production technologies, he was able to create new product ranges and spread into other market areas. He is recognised in his sector not only in Italy but also abroad – his self-supported carbon fibre “Estrema” chair even made the “Guinness World RecordsTM” list as the “lightest chair in the world”, at only 617 grams! No51 September 2009 / jec composites magazine 23

http://www.mdmworld.eu

JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #51 - September 2009

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #51 - September 2009