OUR MANUFACTURING PROCESS
The manufacturing process is the most important part of creating quality hockey sticks, as the stick performance is influenced by several production factors. While most factories use similar machinery to make composite hockey sticks, the sticks produced by two factories can have a vast difference, depending on the manufacturer’s precision, expertise and consistency levels.
We take pride in maintaining a consistent production system with stringent quality control checks at all stages of the process.
This ensures that every SNS stick is ready to withstand the fast-paced, high-impact nature of today’s game!
The 4 main steps of our composite manufacturing process are:
Prepreg
Preforming
Curing
Cosmetics
1. PREPREG
Prepreg sheet is created by adding resin to the composite fibre. These are cut and folded at optimal angles and dried. Prepreg sheets of the different fibres are then cut to shape to meet the lay-up design.
The precision of this process aids in achieving maximum strength of SNS sticks.
The precision of this process aids in achieving maximum strength of SNS sticks.
2. PREFORMING
The fibre composition and lay-up are major components in defining how a stick performs. All the pieces of prepreg are carefully shaped and arranged under a specific map. This is unique to every manufacturer.
Preforming of SNS sticks is their performance ‘X’ factor! We do this differently. It is an art, a sixth sense based on years of experience and knowledge of how to best achieve the desired result of power and feel.
Preforming of SNS sticks is their performance ‘X’ factor! We do this differently. It is an art, a sixth sense based on years of experience and knowledge of how to best achieve the desired result of power and feel.
3. CURING
The curing process is where the stick lay-up is placed into its corresponding physical mould for moulding.The stick is cured through the moulding process using high pressure and temperature, to create a strong composite having the desired playing characteristics.
The accuracy of temperature and pressure during this process imparts the desired stiffness, strength and feel to SNS sticks.
The accuracy of temperature and pressure during this process imparts the desired stiffness, strength and feel to SNS sticks.
4. COSMETICS
Once a stick is moulded, it goes through a series of steps that provide the final look and feel to the stick. These steps include sanding, paint work, decal application and top coating, followed by end-cap and grip application. With decades of experience, we have devised an elaborate cosmetics process.
This ensures that SNS sticks look sharp & ready for action!