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SuperLite makes a splash in marine trials
materials news
SuperLite
makes a splash in marine trials
A CONTROLLED density balsa core material made to aerospace specifications and targeted at the high performance end of the boat building market is available from Baltek Corp. SuperLite’s density ranges from 64 kg/m3 to 240 kg/m3 in 16 kg/m3 increments. It is available in thicknesses from 6 mm to 50 mm. Baltek says SuperLite is made in accordance with the highest aerospace specifications. It comes from Baltek’s Ecuadorian balsa farms where specially selected trees are grown to produce the improved wood cell structures which give SuperLite its properties and low weight. The trees are cut into lumber and milled in a dedicated plant which produces only SuperLite material. Proprietary technology is used to kiln dry, process and grade the material for quality, physical properties and density. It is precision cut to kO.35 mm at Baltek’s Northvale, New Jersey, plant. The material comes with a specially formulated chemical coating for superior bonding. It is also available with proprietary LamPrep@ mechanical surface preparation producing ultra-smooth surfaces to optimize bond strength and mini-
mize resin absorption. In its Contourkore@ version the material conforms easily to complex curves. SuperLite has already been used by Goetz Custom Sailboats, Bristol, Rhode Island, in its IMS Grand Prix racer Nelson/Marek 50 ‘Idler’. “A racing sailboat’s structural design is based on weight and stiffness consistent with strength,” says Bruce Nelson, president of Nelson/Marek Yacht
Design, San Diego. “In the tests Goetz ran against foam cores, new SuperLite emerged as the best for stiffness and weight of the materials that also meet IMS regulations. There’s minimum deformation in both hull and decks thanks to SuperLite.” According to boat builder Eric Goetz, president of Goetz Custom Sailboats, “The material has the uniform density of foam but with better physical
properties. Best of all, SuperLite’s exceptional stability helps us produce a boat so accurate in shape and size that it meets all the intentions of the designer.” The material is also reported to be resistant to the high temperature of prepreg fabrication and uses considerably less resin than foam. This results in savings in both weight and cost. “With this material we’re a winner all round,” says Goetz.
Rote<, professional CO, is looking for on interesting relationship with parties who have o joint interest in flanges, with a wish to enter into a serious, reliable and stable union SOOSto put everything in its proper place. DO not necessarily need to be from an ordinary crosswction.
Rotec is spetiolised in the monufocture of high-quality flanges with a diameter varying from 25 to 2000 mm for use by the piping industry and by tank and equipment manufacturers. By making use of Resia Transfer Moulding we are able to guarantee you a serious, durable, high-quality product.
8243PJ Lelystad The Netherlands Tel. t31 (0)320 - 26 09 33 Fax. t31 (0) 320 - 26 12 83 PLEASE
26
REINFORCEDplastics
A D r/ I 19 9 9
INSERT
NUMBER
342
ON READER
RESPONSE
CARD
SuperLite
makes a splash in marine trials
A CONTROLLED density balsa core material made to aerospace specifications and targeted at the high performance end of the boat building market is available from Baltek Corp. SuperLite’s density ranges from 64 kg/m3 to 240 kg/m3 in 16 kg/m3 increments. It is available in thicknesses from 6 mm to 50 mm. Baltek says SuperLite is made in accordance with the highest aerospace specifications. It comes from Baltek’s Ecuadorian balsa farms where specially selected trees are grown to produce the improved wood cell structures which give SuperLite its properties and low weight. The trees are cut into lumber and milled in a dedicated plant which produces only SuperLite material. Proprietary technology is used to kiln dry, process and grade the material for quality, physical properties and density. It is precision cut to kO.35 mm at Baltek’s Northvale, New Jersey, plant. The material comes with a specially formulated chemical coating for superior bonding. It is also available with proprietary LamPrep@ mechanical surface preparation producing ultra-smooth surfaces to optimize bond strength and mini-
mize resin absorption. In its Contourkore@ version the material conforms easily to complex curves. SuperLite has already been used by Goetz Custom Sailboats, Bristol, Rhode Island, in its IMS Grand Prix racer Nelson/Marek 50 ‘Idler’. “A racing sailboat’s structural design is based on weight and stiffness consistent with strength,” says Bruce Nelson, president of Nelson/Marek Yacht
Design, San Diego. “In the tests Goetz ran against foam cores, new SuperLite emerged as the best for stiffness and weight of the materials that also meet IMS regulations. There’s minimum deformation in both hull and decks thanks to SuperLite.” According to boat builder Eric Goetz, president of Goetz Custom Sailboats, “The material has the uniform density of foam but with better physical
properties. Best of all, SuperLite’s exceptional stability helps us produce a boat so accurate in shape and size that it meets all the intentions of the designer.” The material is also reported to be resistant to the high temperature of prepreg fabrication and uses considerably less resin than foam. This results in savings in both weight and cost. “With this material we’re a winner all round,” says Goetz.
Rote<, professional CO, is looking for on interesting relationship with parties who have o joint interest in flanges, with a wish to enter into a serious, reliable and stable union SOOSto put everything in its proper place. DO not necessarily need to be from an ordinary crosswction.
Rotec is spetiolised in the monufocture of high-quality flanges with a diameter varying from 25 to 2000 mm for use by the piping industry and by tank and equipment manufacturers. By making use of Resia Transfer Moulding we are able to guarantee you a serious, durable, high-quality product.
8243PJ Lelystad The Netherlands Tel. t31 (0)320 - 26 09 33 Fax. t31 (0) 320 - 26 12 83 PLEASE
26
REINFORCEDplastics
A D r/ I 19 9 9
INSERT
NUMBER
342
ON READER
RESPONSE
CARD