Construction Details Cont'd.
2.5-1
Sandwich Construction:
Sandwich construction is used in all Freedom Yachts * hulls and
decks to produce lighter, faster performance boats. A fiberglass sand-
wich functions similarly to an "I" beam. ”1" beams are used for
construction because they make the most efficient use of materials
based on structural criteria at reduced weights. The inner and outer
skins of the sandwich function in the same way as the top and bottom
flanges of the "I" beam, and the core functions similarly to the web
of the "I" beam. This means lighter hulls and decks can be produced
which are actually stiffer and stronger than a solid glass hull or deck.
Many different cores are available for use in sandwich construction.
We choose end grain balsa core because it has superior physical
properties in performance over all others. It has excellent thermal
stability in warm climates or direct sunlight. When compared with foam
cores, the end grain balsa core's fatigue properties are far superior.
It also has excellent impact and puncture resistant properties.
Production Control:
Great care is taken in the quality control of the production of
laminated parts. The following steps are necessary to guarantee that
the physical properties used to design are the same as those which are
built into the part.
1. Ultrasonic inspection is used to measure thicknesses as well
as to count individual plies of material in the laminate.
2. Weights are checked on a regular basis.
3. Resin burn off tests are run randomly to check on the ratio
of resin to glass built into the laminates.
Gelcoat application is carefully controlled to ensure the proper
coating thickness and performance. This is important when considering
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