Boat Infusion Process

DIAB video showing the process of resin infusion for a boat hull using core material. http://www.diabgroup.com

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• composites
• infusion
• process
• core
• materials
• resin
• Ashland

[PoindexterSmith]

I'm less knowledgeable about the specific engineering requirements of the overall boat as I am the material. However, even with boats, a high strength-to-weight ratio is desireable in boats as well as aircraft. By the time the boat is fitted with all its hardware, it is quite heavy. Like an aircraft, the boat must have "lift" or boyancy. While you don't want the boat to be too light, strong but lightweight is generally positive for performance. Core sandwich structures are good for that.

[Nickigoe]

Another advantage infusion has over chopper gun is that the resin is more consistantly distributed over the entire hull and there is a far better and more consistant resin to fiber ratio than can be achieved than hand laminating techniques thus reducing the risk of shrinkage, also it is far more enviromentaly friendly for the staff as styrene emissions are controlled.

Feed pipe placement can be an issue but a well experienced infusion guy can usually predict the flow.

[Purpleskilton]

It can not be a wasted process in the eyes of boat builders. Princess (one of the best in the world) are using this method to produce their new 130ft M40 super yacht… I doubt they would embrace this technology unless it was beneficial.

Resin infusion is very risky on large projects unless you know your stuff. Iv used it on a small 14ft hull and did not have suitable pump/ports meaning the resin started to cure before it had fully saturated…. £700 of materials had to be scraped!

[Purpleskilton]

“why would you want to save weight with core material its a boat not an airplane?” Modern high speed boats “plane”, basically the boat lifts and skims the water with the minimal hull surface (wetted area) causing drag. It can take 2000hp to get a luxury 60ft yacht to 25-30knots consuming 260+ litres of diesel per hour (10+ litres per mile – MPG equivalent to 0.5!!!) hence every kilogram counts. Less weight in the hull and superstructure allows for more machinery and comforts.

[Purpleskilton]

Resin infusion in boats is first to reduce production costs… 2-3 people can ‘lay-up’ a 40ft hull (1000ft2) and bag it in a working day, and pump it in a second day opposed to several people working shifts over a few days. The engineering reason is complete and even wetting of all layers without excess resin thus weight. More resin than needed dose not add strength… just weight. Even distribution (no air or dry spots) is critical in a boats hull, plus the whole hull cures at the same time.

[HENSLEYDMB]

That is a lot of work for nothing! the inside of the boat does not need to be smooth, normally what you would use this process for, and the amount of labor you have here could build probably 2 boats with a chopper and some hand lay-up.. Way over kill for little or no benefit. This is one of those.....see we can do it moments.

[cameron300462]

Interesting clip but seems like a lot of extra work compared to chopper gun lay-ups. I know infusion is apparently the newest greatest thing but ...

@datzfast boats need to be a nice mix of weight for ride quality but also not that heavy that they are uneconomical to power,or to be able to perform at their optimum. It would be like building your own compact car body and then finding out that you need to fit a massive V8 to move it.

[datzfast]

why would you want to save weight with core material its a boat not an airplane? this is a question, not an insult. im learning.

[shwacksack]

all that money to build boats and not $15 to buy a camera?

[DanFrederiksen]

awful video quality. doover

[565Customz]

@KombiPode doesnt really matter...just make sure all the parts can get a good coating of resin i a reasonable amount of time.

[KombiPode]

How do you know where the feed lines best fit?