Najad
Najad chooses SP's range of Production Boatbuilding products to build the new 355 model 11th June 2007
Najad chooses SP's range of Production Boatbuilding products to build the new 355 model Case Study
Najad Boatyard, located in Henan on the west coast of Sweden, combines advanced manufacture methods with highly skilled craftspeople to make contemporary styled, performance orientated cruising yachts.
SP's Production Boatbuilding products enables production boatbuilders to use their existing polyester gelcoat with the higher performance epoxy resins supplied by SP.
The main benefits to the production boatbuilder are:
· Longer lasting hulls & decks
· Improved surface finish
· Reduced production processes
· Improved secondary bonding of bulkheads, frames and hull to deck
· Lower weight
· Reduced emissions
The polyester laminate was re-engineered to take advantage of the improved mechanical performance of epoxy resins. Najad commented that on their first hull they managed to reduce the hull and deck weight by 15% when compared to their typical polyester parts.
The use of epoxy resin significantly improves the fatigue resistance of the hull and deck, giving significant benefits to customers looking for a higher performance and longer lasting yacht.
Typical build involves applying a layer of Polyester gelcoat in the mould, which is then backed up with a vinylester/ chopped/ chopped strand mat layer. Ampreg adhesion promoter is then used to enhance the bond between the vinylester layer and the epoxy backing laminate
On de-moulding the first hull, Najad noticed an improved aesthetic finish to the hull. Lower shrinkage of laminating and infusion resins resulted in less print from the structural reinforcements and core materials.
Najad was able to reduce the manufacturing process of the hull from a three day / three hit process, to a one day / one hit process, using the Ampreg 22 laminating systems. Further production efficiencies were realised by moving to infusion for selected parts using the PRIME™ 20LV system.
