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10.02.2022
KVT-Fastening supports the Viennese Startup in E-Foil development
The e-foil, or more specifically, the electric hydrofoil, is the next level in water sports. E-Foil is an electric foil board that allows you to "fly" over the water. It has a hydrofoil that extends into the water underneath the board and can lift the board above the water giving the feeling of "flying".The challenge: water tightness and corrosion resistance
The Viennese startup eFoiler GmbH has developed the highly innovative jet-powered e-foil board "PEAKFOIL" - super-efficient, safe, powerful, and emission-free. Although an e-foil looks like an ordinary hydrofoiled surfboard in the water, one of the biggest differences is the battery inside the board. In addition to the electric jet drive, it is the central part of the drive and must be kept dry at all times. Therefore, the water tightness of the battery box and the corrosion resistance of the fastener are top priorities. The base of the board is also the cover of the battery box, in addition to the cover fasteners, the battery is also fastened with special fasteners. 
“In the beginning, we used the latches from various Chinese suppliers, but the quality and the water-resistance were never satisfying. Then we got the Southco® latches from KVT-Fastening and they are completely watertight, have the corrosion resistance, the durability, and the reliability we need for the e-Foil,” said Gerhard Pirker, the CEO of eFoiler GmbH. Currently, multiple Southco® latches are implemented in the lid and inside of the battery box.
In addition, Tappex Trisert-3 is also used in several places. One of the uses is to connect the board to the vertical foil. Since high forces are transmitted between the foil and the board, a reliable screw connection is extremely important here. Tappex Trisert-3 can be installed without the need for tapping, creates a high-strength thread in a sensitive material, and allows repeated tightening and loosening of bolted joints. "Since the mounting of the foil is made of carbon fiber and aluminum, threaded inserts are required for screwing. . Tappex Trisert-3 is easy to assemble and the rustproof thread insert is very durable. We haven't had any problems so far," said Gerhard Pirker. “As I said, all the products we have from KVT-Fastening are rustproof and are perfect for water sports equipment. We are very happy with them,” he explained.
Reliable and continuous support for the startup from the beginning
“We appreciate the access that KVT-Fastening provides for the small startup like us and they allow us to have small sample orders for the early development phase,” according to Gerhard Pirker. KVT-Fastening supports the customer from the early design stage by offering the know-how of the fasteners and helping the customer choose the optimal fasteners for their application.
Gerhard Pirker continues “Also the availability of the fasteners are important for us. We once had to change the design because the previous latch supplier from the US could not supply the same product anymore. With KVT-Fastening, we receive whatever we need in a few days.”
KVT-Fastening is not just a fastening elements supplier. We accompany our customers along their way from product design, testing, assembly to overall C-part management.
In summer 2020, KVT-Fastening organized a customer event featuring the test riding of the e-Foil prototype from eFoiler GmbH at Jetlake – a wakeboard and watersport compound. The E-Foil startup was able to collect first-hand feedback from extreme watersport enthusiasts and implemented the improvement in the design.
“We do appreciate the personal assistance from KVT, the organization of the event, and also the contacts to the local watersport location. The cooperation with KVT is very good,” concluded Gerhard Pirker.
The PEAKFOIL will be officially launched in May 2022.
Are you also starting a new project? We are happy to offer our fastening know-how for your project. Contact us!
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