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C-Flex
C-Flex is a unidirectional
fiberglass building material originally developed for the manufacturing of
custom boats. Since its invention, countless structures, marine and
otherwise, of all shapes, sizes and complexity have been affordably built
using this simple construction method. The design of C-Flex allows any form
to be built using simple and inexpensive framing procedures instead of
costly molding methods.
Each "plank" of C-Flex contains
small semi-rigid rods in the longitudinal direction. These rods allow the
fiberglass to hold its form while resin is applied to the cloth. This
eliminates the need for a full mold as is used in traditional fiberglass
construction.
The C-Flex material system and
related application technique can accommodate a wide range of boat building
needs, from recreational yachts to commercial fishing boats. In a boat
building application it can be used with a temporary framework, a
traditional wooden framework, or a permanent and temporary framework
combination. The C-flex, a dry fiberglass fabric with longitudinal rods, is
typically attached to the framing and then saturated with a slow curing
resin. After the resin cures, additional layers of reinforcement are added
to develop the full hull thickness.
Since its invention, countless
structures, marine and otherwise, of all shapes, sizes and complexity have
been affordably built using this simple construction method. The design of
C-Flex allows any form to be built using simple and inexpensive framing
procedures instead of costly molding methods.
C-flex is an excellent solution for
preserving the life and character of vintage wooden boats, because it can
be attached on a wooden hull to create a stronger and more durable hull
structure. The C-Flex is applied to the prepared hull with an Elastomeric
Adhesive, which creates a strong but flexible interface between the wood
and the exterior fiberglass. The hull is then laminated with additional
layers of reinforcements to the desired strength level.
C-Flex is manufactured exclusively
by Seemann Composites Inc. in two "grades" or weights, CF-65 and
CF-39. All planks are 12" wide and are made in continuous lengths of
up to 250'.
* CF-65 is the heavier grade and should be
considered for use in most industrial or commercial applications and boat
building where weight is not a crucial factor.
* CF-39 is lighter and should be
considered for lightweight boats (canoes, racing boats, etc.) and any other
weight critical application.
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