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If you want
to make prototypes with interesting characteristics relating the weight-to-rigidity
ratio, the execution time and the freedom of forms, the experience in
composite materials becomes very important.
It is useless listing all the possible execution possibilities, in this
sector there are no limits to the designers' or purchasers' imagination
and inventiveness.
For example, let's consider a located stress moving to the structure,
even with a violent stress, such as might be the base of the mast in a
surf board landing from a wave. In this case you can give a rigidity always
decreasing, as much as you leave the stress point, so that the pressure
remains constant. In this way you avoid stress accumulation and excess
weight.
One of the production techniques to have a prototype without spending
too much time and money is that of using no counter-proof but working
on the male connector. In short, you model a piece of polystyrene or polyurethane
and stratify it with carbon, glass or kevlar, both separately and together,
depending on your needs.
To further increase the characteristics of the object, if it has an important
structural function, you can apply a PVC foam with a vacuum bag thus creating,
after the final lamination, the so called "sandwich". Note that you can
practically incorporate any type of insert.
The pictures show a few moments in the construction of a wave windsurf
board with a volume of about 100 litres that can sustain a surfer who
weights about 80 kg. and a sail of 10-12 kg.
An object weighting less than 6 kg. including paint and anti-skid, subject
to the stress created by the impact with the wave and the jumps … this
is a solution practically impossible to achieve with conventional constructions
in the mechanic field. |
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