Samsonite formally introduces Curv Technology last Tuesday, May 7, 2013 in the Firelite Collection launch held at the Manila Peninsula Hotel, Makati City.
Extra light and strong - Revolutionizing the ease in travel and transforming how a luggage is crafted Samsonite formally introduces Curv® Technology. Making travel easier is an ongoing mission at Samsonite and now they introduce this breakthrough as Curv® Technology allows a luggage to be made unbelievably light yet exceptionally strong as evidenced in their 3 Collections:
Cosmolite; Cubelite and the recently released Firelite.
The Curv® Brought to Life.
Curv® is a revolutionary concept in thermoplastic materials that bridges the gap between commodity plastics and traditional fibre-reinforced materials. Curv® is ‘self reinforced’ because it comprises high performance thermoplastic fibres in a matrix of exactly the same material. It is 100% polypropylene, but yields stiffness and strength values around 5 times those of others. In addition, Curv® has a high strain to failure which in combination with good tensile strength offers tremendously high impact resistance, even at temperatures as low as -189 degrees Celsius! These specific material characteristics, combined with its low density allow for very significant weight savings in final products.
"Curv® is nothing less than a revolution for our market", says Arno de Taeye, Vice President Customer Services Europe and Global Supply Hardside. "It is a magnificent new material for all those applications where impact resistance and lightweight play a key role." Another advantage of the material lies in its attractive optical appearance and the extensive design possibilities.''
The heart of the CURV® patented technology is called ‘selective melting’, where highly drawn fibers are submitted to carefully controlled temperature and pressure conditions so that a thin layer from the skin of each individual fiber is melted, then recrystallised to form a matrix. Most importantly, a very high proportion of the original fibre properties are maintained in the 100% polypropylene sheet, which shows stiffness and strength more commonly associated with traditional fibre-reinforced composites, but has the added benefit of exceptionally high resistance to impact (surprisingly maintained down to cryogenic temperatures).
The Strong & Light Cosmolite.
Winner of the Red Dot Design Award 'Best of the Best 2010’ and the Henry Van De Velde Label 2009, Cosmolite is the innovative result of what seems an impossible challenge –to make a stylish suitcase that combines Samsonite’s unrivalled strength and style with unbelievable lightness. Cosmolite is one of Samsonite’s first luggage collections to feature the exclusive and phenomenal Curv® technology Cosmolite’s specially moulded shell design, inspired by a seashell, is not only strikingly elegant but also acts as a protecting cocoon for a traveller’s treasured possessions. The inventive raised ridges ensure unparalleled strength and remove the need for a thicker and therefore heavier outer layer whilst minimizing the risk of scratches.
The Ultra-Sleek Cubelite.
Up to twice as light as other leading polycarbonate suitcases, Samsonite Black Label Cubelite pampers sophisticated travelers with extreme durability and supreme lightweight. It is thoughtfully crafted with a ‘palladium’ finish shell, exhibiting a gleam of sophistication which is the trademark of Samsonite Black Label. Its ridges design adds strength and minimizes surface contact, hence a low scratch sensitivity. With a highly organized packing system, the Samsonite Black Label Cubelite includes cross straps within the luggage cleverly securing all personal belongings, and a zipper lining made of lightweight Nylon. A separate pocket attached to the luggage interior also ensures swift access to personal accessories and other holiday essentials efficiently. For ultimate comfort and maneuverability, the double tube handle makes it seamless for busy globetrotters while its four wheel hub guarantees maximum stability and effortless rolling. It also proves to be an ultimate travel companion armed with its recessed integrated TSA combination lock and matching palladium zippers.
Pushing Travel Boundaries: Firelite
Coveted by active and vibrant travelers – whether they are discovering Antarctica or diving in the Red Sea –Firelite accompanies their active, fast-paced holidays, filled with adrenaline fuelled activities. The unique, striking design and innovative Curv® material enables a strong and even lighter suitcase; the cabin-size spinner 55 weighs less than a large bottle of water (1.9 kg) and the spinner 76 weighs just 2.9 kg, which helps to avoid excess baggage fees with room to pack that extra wetsuit. Inspired by extreme sports lifestyles, the Firelite shell is eye-catching, modern and effortlessly absorbs heavy shocks during travel. Convenient and comfortable integrated top and side handles blend seamlessly into the lines of the case and the water resistant PU coated zipper adds a sporty look. Silent lightweight wheels, for perfect smooth rolling, are activated with a retractable lightweight pull handle whilst a combination lock accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows for additional security when travelling. Meanwhile, a functional interior with colorful details, including a fully lined zipped divider pad in the top compartment with cross ribbons and a pocket on the bottom, provides organized and comfortable packing.
Samsonite, created in 1910 by entrepreneurial Colorado native Jesse Shwayder, is the world’s leading luggage brand. Inspiring travel world-wide, Samsonite helps global travellers to cover miles and create memories with revolutionary travel solutions. Preserving the brands longstanding history of breakthroughs in research and development, Samsonite has embedded its place at the forefront of the travel world with a number of industry firsts. Showing commitment to innovation, the unique hard side collections made with the revolutionary Curv® material and the soft side ranges created with Advanced Hybrid Technology™ (AHT) join a wide spectrum of business, casual and personal accessory products in upholding Samsonite’s position as a market leader and trendsetter. Remembering past triumphs but always looking forward, Samsonite maintains a worldwide vision that continues to enable the traveler to travel further, with always lighter, stronger and innovative products at hisside. By identifying trends and interpreting the continuing evolution of world travellers’ needs, Samsonite plays a pivotal role in the multi-faceted lives of the global traveller. www.samsonite.com
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