Product category:
Materials and components
News Release from: Premier Material Concepts | Subject: Custom laminates
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 28 October 2004
Custom laminate on the crest of a wave
When Softcore Surfboards wanted to design a board that functioned like two products combined into one, it turned to Premier Material Concepts (PMC) for its expertise in custom film fabrication.
Surfing is a highly specialised sport that is impacted by countless performance and environmental variables Because of that fact, surfing-related products present manufacturers unique challenges
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 4 Jun 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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Consider the case of Gary Sipiora of Softcore Surfboards, who was dedicated to enhancing the quality of his company's "soft surfboard" intended for use with beginners as well as intermediate/advanced surfers.
Sipiora's specifications make it clear that a single board actually functions like two products combined into one.
The top half, where the surfer stands, cannot be slippery.
The bottom half, where water meets the board, must be intentionally slick to help ensure proper motion dynamics.
As a unit, the entire board must be aesthetically pleasing - plus be able to take a beating during vigorous and repeated use.
Sipiora turned to Premier Material Concepts (PMC) for its expertise in custom film fabrication.
The result is a top construction composed of TPE laminated to TPF achieving a desired coefficient of friction - especially when wet.
Prototype boards used in field testing proved the required level of durability.
Currently PMC has colour matched a blue and yellow construction with additional colours on the way.
"PMC was great because not only do they extrude product but they were able to laminate a TPE to the TPF I wanted to use", says Sipiora.
"PMC's TPE solved a couple of problems for me".
"I no longer have a top surface that is slippery and needs wax to give the surfers traction".
"Plus the TPE has not been as prone to scratching, ripping, and tearing like the cross-linked polypropylene foam I used in the past".
As for a slick, durable surface bottom construction, PMC provided Softcore Surfboards a higher quality, high density polypropylene (HDPP) laminated to foam.
Attention to individual application and product needs is one of the key attributes that drew Softcore Surfboards to PMC.
Sipiora states: "PMC makes the materials to my exact specifications".
"They have been able to cater to my every need thus far".
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