Composites One, Magnum Venus Plastech, as well as the Closed Mold Alliance will demonstrate several composite manufacturing techniques during the live demonstrations and outdoor exhibits at this year’s International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX). Organizers said that this demonstration and others would provide attendees with another perspective on recent trends and advancements in the marine industry.
At the Composite Pavilion, attendees can witness four different closed mold processes, including “prepreg” (pre-impregnated composite fibers), a recent advancement in closed mold technology. Seeing the same part built four ways on the same mold will allow spectators to compare and contrast the different applications and lead to discussion about the intersection of the three main concerns of a manufacturer: quantity, quality, and cost. Each method of closed mold processing weighs these concerns differently.
Composites One is looking forward to an exciting IBEX show this year,” said Marcy Offner, Marketing Communications Manager at Composites One. “This year, for the first time ever at IBEX, our closed mold demonstrations will take place live on the exhibit hall floor.”
Other exhibitors will also offer demonstrations. Each day of the show at 1:00 pm, Dr. Shrink , an international shrinkwrap supply business, will walk participants through shrinkwrap techniques outside the Hall B Lobby. Dr. Shrink employees will also answer questions, offer tips about how to improve technique, and share insight about creating a successful shrinkwrap business.
Outside, attendees will also be able to view the SeaDek Super Air Nautique 230, a wake boat built to showcase the SeaDek non-skid system. SeaDek is a closed foam non-skid for decks, cockpits, helm stations, and trailers. An alternative to paint-on textures, SeaDek gets its traction from a pattern of micro-dots and attaches to surfaces with an acrylic, pressure-sensitive adhesive. Also on view will be the Ameritex Fabric Systems canvas cover on a pontoon boat, to highlight the company’s work on innovation pontoon boat coverings. Ameritex is a leading manufacturer of bimini and enclosure systems. And Steyr Motors North America Inc. will display its marine diesel hybrid engine with the STEYR HDS™ (Hybrid Drive System), the worldwide first “parallel” hybrid propulsion system.
“One of the things that all of our outdoor exhibits and live demonstrations have in common is that these exhibitors are testing the limits of their craft. It is exciting to see people enthused about what they do, and willing to share it with others. These people are working on the edge of new technologies, and they are coming to the IBEX Show to give us a view of the horizon of the marine industry,” said Tina Sanderson, IBEX Sales Director.
