Boats and other watercraft operate in some of the most demanding conditions any structure will ever face — constant moisture, salt, UV exposure, mechanical stress and the requirement to stay as light as possible. Choosing the right material and manufacturing method is critical to long service life and performance.
Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastic in Marine Construction
Typical materials used in boats and other watercraft include glass fibre reinforced plastic, ABS plastic, aluminium and various hybrid structures combining these materials. Among these, glass fibre reinforced plastic remains one of the most widely used choices due to its durability, low weight and design flexibility.
RTM Manufacturing — Consistent Quality for Demanding Applications
LICO has over 30 years of experience in demanding glass fibre products and nearly 20 years of experience in high-quality components manufactured using the RTM process.
RTM — Resin Transfer Moulding — is a closed-mould manufacturing method that delivers consistent wall thickness, smooth surfaces on both sides and excellent dimensional accuracy. This makes it particularly well suited for visible, structural and functional components in marine environments.
Typical Marine Applications
RTM-manufactured composite components are used in a wide range of marine applications, including:
- Opening hatches and access panels
- Cockpit dashboards and instrument panels
- Cover panels and casing structures
- Storage compartment lids and surrounds
- Structural interior elements
Component sizes can range from small postcard-sized parts up to approximately 3 m². Wall thicknesses can vary from 3 millimetres to several hundred millimetres, and depending on the geometry, part depth can exceed 1.5 metres.
The Same Technology Applies Beyond Marine
The RTM manufacturing process and composite materials used in marine applications translate directly to other demanding environments. The same solutions are well suited for civilian vehicles, mobile machinery, rail equipment and military vehicles.
Contact Us
Interested in composite components for your marine or vehicle application? Contact LICO — we are happy to discuss your next project and find the right solution for your needs.