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We constantly create the process required
The composite world can be like cooking: there are an infinite number of ingredients
available, and many ways of using them. While some people follow the recipe books, the best meals usually
come from the innovative Chefs. The same can be said for our creativity and
innovation with composites.
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SCore surfboards: one of the most significant
features of this Award Winning board is the use of the Styrofoam™ HD300 and its
distinctive blue color.
Most watercraft are using PVC based foam core, but Salomon has a strong
environmental policy which prohibits such materials. The other more common core materials
also did not fit the required specifications, mostly due to water
absorption.
So we looked
elsewhere and were the first to identify this insulation material as a structural
core and take advantage of some of its excellent mechanical properties.
We worked on all aspects of the process, from slicing the large blocks
into sheets while ensuring a quality surface finish, to the thermoforming of
complex 3D shapes, as well as increasing its resistance to heavy structural loading.
Our knowledge about processing this particular foam is second to none and we
are
confident of it being used extensively in the near future. |
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Wood veneer: in the beginning, it was a
cosmetic feature, but we soon discovered that the combination of a wood veneer
with the Styrofoam™ HD300 was leading to a product with excellent impact
resistance while still retaining its lightweight characteristics .
So we pushed the process further and began pressure forming into complex 3D shapes,
achieving straight from the tool, a blemish free surface finish with an
added advantage of a clear protective layer.
Strong, lightweight, with the aesthetic and character wood, coupled with a
superior surface finish requiring little maintenance. |
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Pressure Vessel: even though we have mastered most
lamination techniques from wet-lay-up to pre-preg cured in
autoclaves or resin infusion, we could still see limits and felt we were
missing a cheaper and rapid way to manufacture foam sandwich components with a
superior surface
finish. So again, we developed a specific solution to best suit our
process, a pressure vessel
that just waits for more applications. |
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Tool Machining: another area but still unique.
Follow the link. |
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