Whether it's a response to boat owners with a passion for environmentally-friendly choices,anticipation of government regulation or pressure from environmental groups,the marine segment of the composites industry is showing increased sensitivity to sustainability in the use of FRP construction.Within the diverse world of boat building,the recreational segment is the one to watch according to Andrew Pokelwaldt,director of certifications at ACMA and a former manager of training and development at Brunswick Recreational Boat Group.Sustainability,however,is a broad subject and isn't achieved through a single solution.Rather,a comprehensive perspective to decision-making in design,material selection and production methods are coming together to make progress toward sustainability in FRP applications.Weight reduction to increase fuel efficiency,closed molding to mitigate emissions exposure for workers,CAD design tools to identify waste reduction opportunities,simulated infusion to reduce resin consumption and recycling scrap before it enters the waste stream are just a few examples.Here's a closer look at a sampling of advances underway in design,materials and manufacturing.
展开▼
