The device continuously applies fresh wax to the bottom of the ski during a race. Its developers are now working with manufacturers, with the aim of incorporating it into skis used in top-class international competition as early as next year.
Validated test results from the Alps show that skiers using the revolutionary system can complete a course 1-2% quicker than using conventional skis, which gradually lose their pre-applied layer of wax as they descend a slope. The gap between first and 20th place in a World Cup event can be under two seconds, so the new system has the potential to play a key role in deciding the outcome of major skiing competitions.
Tests on the new waxing system have been carried out in the laboratory, on artificial matting ski slopes and artificial snow in the UK, and under genuine Alpine conditions in Austria and France:
Phil Smith, one of the testers of the skis on UK artificial slopes, said: “It feels like I’m on snow! The skis were much quicker and smoother and there was no change in the turning ability of the ski. I still have edge control.”
Becky Hammond, one of Britain’s top women freestyle skiers, said: “I immediately noticed the difference in the skis. I was going twice as fast which helped me to get twice as much air in the halfpipe and on the big air”.
The device has been developed by Wildfire Snowsports Limited, a spin-out company from the University of Sheffield, building on university research projects funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). The development and capabilities of the device will be described at this year’s BA Festival of Science in York.
In ski racing, wax is applied to skis to create a lubricating effect and so help the skier travel faster. As well as constantly providing a fresh layer of lubricant, the new technology also enables dirt, which can slow a skier down, to be automatically pushed away from the underside of the ski.
“The device fully complies with all FIS (International Ski Federation) rules and is the only one of its kind in the world to have been routinely tested and proven,” says Professor Peter Styring, who has led the project and will deliver the York presentation. “Suitable for skis used in events such as downhill, super giant slalom and potentially cross-country too, the device has also been incorporated into freestyle skis and snowboards – extra speed means riders can achieve extra height in halfpipe* events, for instance.”
A sealed reservoir containing a waxy lubricant is attached to the ski under the front of the foot, replacing the small block that conventionally separates the ski binding from the ski. A series of tiny valves and pipework continuously deliver an optimum amount of lubricant to the base of the ski. The normal pumping motion of the skier’s legs is harnessed to push the fluid through the system – no supplementary energy source is needed.
The biodegradable and environmentally friendly lubricant, a polymer whose composition is a closely guarded secret, was also developed as part of the project. Overall, the initiative has harnessed expertise in the fields of chemical engineering, chemistry, polymer science, mechanical engineering and physics.
“In December, we’re due to begin testing the system with a major global ski manufacturer,” says Peter Styring. “We’re also discussing with another company the scope to retrofit the device to existing skis.”
All the technology used in the system is patent protected, with the exception of the lubricant.
The 3 year research project ‘Chemical Reactions in Microreactors: Reactor Design, Chemical Selectivity and Reaction Control’ ran from 1999 to 2002 and received EPSRC funding of just over £480,000. The 3 year research project ‘Elastomer Gels as Electromechanical Components in Low Reynolds Number Chemical Processing’ ran from 2001 to 2004 and received total EPSRC funding of nearly £400,000. As well as a range of other important outcomes, these projects provided the fundamental understanding of microreactors (devices in which chemicals flow through tiny tubes) and elastomers (plastics that are easily deformed by a force) that has underpinned the development of the new non-stop waxing system.
- Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
Ingredients and formula for super fast ,all temp, racing ski wax:(1) 5 lbs of paraffin wax(I use a 160 degree melt temperature wax)
(2) 1/2 lb of paraflint wax hardener (3) a bar of Ivory soap (4) a regular size tube of Crest high fluoride toothpaste (5)a heaping tablespoon of spruce gum(resin from a spruce tree)
The paraffin and paraflint hardener can be easily and cheaply obtained from most candle supply companies.The soap and toothpaste are easy enough.The spruce gum can be obtained from any specie of spruce tree.It exudes from wounds in the bark or broken branches.Make sure it is soft and clean,free from any dirt or bark.Spruce trees are common in many towns and suburban areas.Check ones near roads that have been recently pruned or ask the landowner permission to collect some from their tree.A lot of spruce on lawns have the bottom branches pruned. Use a pocket knife or spoon and a small jar with lid to collect the gum.
In addition to these ingredients you will also need: An outdoor cookstove or grill ,a freezer,a large and small cooking pot,stove mitts,a butterknife,a cheesegrater,a handheld mixer/blender,a clock or watch,a bowl,and a few of the cheap pie tins or tin bread molds to pour the liquid wax into.
CAUTION:MELTING WAX CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS.IT IS ADVISABLE TO HAVE SOMEONE ELSE PRESENT WHEN MAKING THIS WAX.MELT IT OUTDOORS AWAY FROM BUILDINGS TO AVOID FIRE.KEEP CHILDREN AND ANIMALS AWAY.
Step1-Put the pie tins or tin bread molds in the freezer to get them cold.
Step2-With the cheesegrater, finely grate the entire bar of soap into the bowl.
Step3-With the butterknife thinly spread the spruce gum on one side of all the bars of paraffin.(To make this easier you may need to warm the gum near a gentle heat source)
Step4-Pour the paraflint into the small cooking pot,put it on the burner and turn on the flame(low heat).
Step5-Put a bar of paraffin in the big cooking pot(gum side up),put it on the burner and turn on the flame(high heat).When the bar melts put in another and when that melts another…until all are melted.(If any impurities rise to the top,skim them off with a spoon or mesh spoon.There shouldn’t be any if the gum is clean.)
Step6-As soon as all bars of wax are melted begin blending the wax and gum while pouring in the soap.Continue blending.(high speed)
Step7-When the soap and wax are thoroughly blended, squeeze the entire tube of toothpaste into the mixture while blending and continue to blend until the toothpaste is thoroughly incorporated into the mixture.
Step8-By now the paraflint hardener should be completely melted.If it is turn off the flame under the small pot of paraflint and pour it into the big pot of wax.
Step9-Continue to blend the mixture for 2 minutes.
Step10-Get the wax molds out of the freezer,turn off the flame of the big pot,put on the stove mitts and carefully pour the hot wax into the molds.(THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. ALSO,DO NOT POUR THE WAX TO THE TOP OF THE MOLDS)
Step 11-Carefully but quickly put the liquid wax in the freezer.(It is important that the wax cool quickly) Wait for it to harden in the mold.
Step12-You now have a super fast,long lasting, all temp ski wax.Enjoy!
What a racket the ski wax industry is.
Being a recreational ski racer and skiing often I go through a lot of wax. I realized I just couldn’t afford the expensive waxes and powders anymore so I decided to make my own. After much study and experimentation I finally got it.I can’t believe it is so simple and cheap.
WHY IT WORKS:
The addition of the hardener makes the wax fast in cold, dry conditions. Hard wax is also more resistant to dirt and doesn’t wear off as fast.The spruce gum acts as a flexible bonding agent to the base of the ski and a bond and vehicle for the chemicals in the other ingredients.The soap also has some of these properties as well as being a surfactant and detergent to break the surface tension of the layer of water between snow and ski and repel dirt and grease.This is also chemically enhanced by the surfactant in the toothpaste.This makes the ski faster in all conditions and temperatures but is especially helpful in warm weather when snow gets wet and greasy. And the toothpaste? What a cheap way to get fluorinated ski wax! The turpines in the spruce gum and chemicals in the soap and toothpaste combine to chemically alter the fluoride in the toothpaste,bonding and completely suspending it as fluorinate throughout the ski wax during the heated mixing.This makes the wax so much faster. And there you have it- Over 5 lbs of durable,superfast,all temp and condition,fluorinated ski wax for less than $30.Throw away your colored waxes and fluoro powders,this is the only wax you will ever need.
Note:I am not responsible for anything that may happen as a result of anyone reading the above.