Eclipse-Harp
We are thrilled to have supplied Eclipse Harp with our MTC510 epoxy prepreg, on reinforcements ranging from 200gsm to 400gsm as well as some Uni-Directional materials.
About Eclipse-Harp
Eclipse-Harp was founded by Andrea Pretzler. Started through curiosity, Andrea wanted to discover whether crafting a harp from carbon fibre would solve the problems found in existing harps:
harps have to take a significant load (in this case about 7500N) between neck and soundboard, which causes harps to deform or collapse over time
they are heavy (weight reduction 30-50% depending on the harp make it is compared to)
they are sensitive to humidity and temperature, if built in wood
This red harp model is called 'The Spunky Mistress' after a small acrobatic double decker airplane (Pitts). It is a single action harp with 40 chords range, so the size and range is similar to that of a Tyrolean folk harp.
How are they made?
The manufacturing process is prepreg in autoclave. To get a good sound, the layers need to be positioned and staggered in a very certain way and for that the autoclave process works best. The plies are positioned by hand. I designed the part and master models, built the tools and parts myself. I have some help for sanding and the machining is done on a CNC. The only bit outsourced is clear coating the parts!
All the mechanical parts are laser sintered or laser cut and I do the finish and assembly as well as adjusting and tuning.
Why use SHD prepreg?
I personally like to work with the SHD materials because they handle well. Also I hope to implement some of the partly bio based resins. For me it is an advantage, since I am still in the prototype /start of production to be able to get small material batches occasionally instead of huge ones that expire before I can use them.
To find out more, visit Eclipse-Harp website. Harps can be ordered or, in some cases, rented.
