Let’s discuss the possibilities of optimizing almost any part used in boatbuilding.
Here’s an example of two variations of a 1x1 m (3.3x3.3 ft) plate made from glass fiber and resin commonly used in shipbuilding. The laminate has a total thickness of 5 mm (0.2 inches) and consists of multiaxial fabrics.
Option 1: A media mesh is placed on the laminate.
Option 2: The same laminate is used, but the media mesh is removed, and two additional feed lines are added.
Results:
In the option with the mesh, the infusion time was 20 minutes. In the second option, it was reduced to 18 minutes, while maintaining the same laminate quality.
What do we gain in the second option?
Savings on consumables, resin, and labor.
Average savings of about $12 per square meter ($1.11 per square foot).
Considering the average structure size in boatbuilding (e.g., hull, deck, or stringers) for a 30-ft (9.1 m) boat, which is about 40 sq. m (430 sq. ft), the savings from a single structure will be approximately $480.
Now, imagine you produce such structures daily in a high-output production setting. The savings amount to $10,000 per month or $120,000 per year per one part only!
And that’s not all. Additional optimization opportunities include using fabrics with better permeability, selecting resins with lower viscosity and longer gel time, introducing specialized core materials, and much more.