How we build the wheelchairs and handbikes

Our wheelchair and handbike frames are made of 7020 (AIZn4.5Mg1) aluminium. This is the strongest aluminium alloy that can be welded. It is more rigid than any titanium alloy. It is the preferred alloy for armoured vehicles, motorbikes and bicycle frames. Our unique Sigma Tubing technology optimises strength during the manufacture of large tubes with thin walls. Together, these achieve an extreme stiffness-to-weight ratio. The result is ultimate stability.

Wolturnus always employs TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding. Combined with a protective argon-helium gas compound, this prevents grains from developing during the welding process. This ensures that the material retains its maximum strength.

Any tension that has arisen during the welding process is eliminated by heat-treating the frame at a very high temperature afterwards. The frame is then measured and any necessary adjustments are made to ensure that the final product is perfectly aligned. Finally, the frame is hardened by a process of precisely calculated temperature changes that restore maximum strength to every single microgram of aluminium.

Anodising is a process that enables integral colouring, increases corrosion resistance and hardens the surface. A layer of aluminium oxide is added to the aluminium surface. Aluminium oxide is one of the world’s hardest materials. It measures 9.7 on the 10-point Moh scale of relative hardness. (Diamonds: 10. Glass: 5.6.) The surface treatment results in an incomparably hard-wearing and maintenance-free surface. It ensures the ultimate in corrosion-resistance. It creates a coloured, durable surface that is resistant to dents and impacts. Anodising is the primary surface treatment used by Wolturnus.