Traditionally, metals such as aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium have been used for structural components in the medical device industry. These materials are however radiopaque—that is, they obstruct x-rays. Accordingly, a metal device located in front of a trauma region would restrict x-ray visibility to the region.

Plastics are inherently radiolucent; with mechanical properties generally inferior to those of metals, however, plastics normally cannot directly replace structural metal components.

Carbon composites can provide mechanical properties competitive with those of some metals, they are also much lighter than traditional metals, with attainable densities as little as one-half that of aluminum and one-sixth that of stainless steel. Carbon has strength and stiffness properties that, in many cases, exceed those of metals. Another gain, is the significant reduction in weight.

From the large to the small, these wheel chair wheels demonstrate the versatility and strength of carbon.