Interesting Facts about DONIC Synthetic Fibers
Natural Material Wood vs. Synthetic Fiber
The regulations of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) state that
- "at least 85% of the blade, measured by its thickness, must consist of natural wood",
- the blade must consist of one or more layers of natural wood or other stable materials,
- the proportion of synthetic fibers must not exceed 15%.
Complementing the natural material wood with synthetic fibers within this permitted framework has proven itself in the manufacture of table tennis blades for around 40 years now, because the increased effort and sometimes complicated processing bring significant advantages:
- Synthetic fibers provide a larger sweet spot (optimal hitting area).
- They ensure a consistent ball bounce across the entire blade surface.
- Thus, synthetic fibers guarantee greater precision, better control and higher dynamics.
In addition, synthetic fibers reduce disturbing vibrations while providing a slightly harder feel at the point of ball contact. The precise coordination of specially developed synthetic fibers with the right types of natural wood as well as the arrangement of the individual layers is of decisive importance.
DONIC wood veneers containing carbon fibres
- Acryl Carbon (Original No.1)
- Acrylate Carbon (Persson Jubilee)
- Aramid Carbon Fibre (Esprit)
- Carbon ( Waldner Senso Carbon, Waldner Dotec Carbon, Original Carbospeed, Waldner Legend Carbon, Persson Power Carbon, Waldner Senso Ultra Carbon, Original Senso Carbon, Original Exclusive Carbon )
- Carbon Fleece + Aratox Fibre (Classic Allround)
- Carbon ZF Fleece (World Champion 89 Series)
- Certran Carbon ( Relevant, Balsa Carbo Certran Fibre )
- Cured Aramid Carbon (Zhang Jike Original Carbon)
- Etalyra Carbon (JO Waldner Gold Edition)
- Flax Cloth Fibre ( Classic Power AR, Classic Offensive )
- Hexamid Carbon (Lind Hexa Carbon)
- Hybrid Aramid Carbon ( Dotec True Carbon Inner, Original True Carbon Inner )
- Hyramid Carbon ( Whiper Outer + Inner, Defplay Inner Carbon )
- Kevlar® Carbon (Original True Carbon)
- Premium Carbon (Original No.1 Senso)
- Spread Tow Carbon (Xtreme)
- Trio UAC Fibre (Zhang Jike New Era)
Glossary: DONIC Synthetic Fiber Technologies
Over many years, DONIC has developed special and, in some cases, exclusive technologies in close cooperation with the experts of its wood suppliers:
Spruce Pressing Technology
Spruce Pressing Technology uses a special drying process in which the moisture content of the wood is drastically reduced through cold pressing. Instead of conventional knife-cut veneers, only selected sawn veneers are used for the WORLD CHAMPION 89 wood series, guaranteeing greater stability. In addition, this exclusive wood series, dedicated to the Swedish legends Jan-Ove Waldner, Jörgen Persson and Mikael Appelgren, features an innovative 3D technology that enables perfectly rounded and ergonomically shaped handles.
Balsa Carbon + Balsa Carbon Inside
Balsa core veneer combined with carbon fiber: Balsa wood is known for its lightness and softness, carbon for its stiffness and stability. Together, these two materials achieve remarkable results: The combination of balsa and carbon minimizes weight, enables powerful and controlled attacking shots, and provides a very special playing feel.
DOTEC System + DOTEC CBF Technology
A special fiber and the unique handle distinguish the blades of the DOTEC series from all others. The DOTEC fiber developed by DONIC provides a pleasantly soft ball contact feel. The handle is curved, made entirely from a single piece, and covered with natural cork. There are separate versions for right-handed and left-handed players. In addition, the ORIGINAL DOTEC blades use CBF Technology. This synthetic fiber, obtained from volcanic rock and used in the bonding process, gives the blades an extremely good playing feel and excellent ball feedback.
BURN Thermic Technology
The thermal treatment of the veneers provides them with exceptionally high stability. The veneers of the BURN series are exposed to a temperature of 200 degrees for 24 hours. This hardens the veneers and removes all moisture from the wood. The result is unique playing characteristics and a large sweet spot.
EPOX
For the blades of the DONIC EPOX series, the veneers are not bonded with liquid glue, but with an adhesive film made of epoxy resin. The veneers are pressed under pressure and heat for 20 minutes, causing the epoxy film to liquefy and firmly bond the veneers together.
IMPULS Technology – Soft Gluing Process
Soft bonding process for the veneer layers. The individual layers are bonded with a special latex-epoxy film that gives the blades their characteristic damping and playing properties.