FINTRY Marine | TECHNOLOGY

EXPERT

FOR SHIP

CONSTRUCTION

Carbon Technology vs.

Aluminum Constructions

Weight saving in hull structure

Using carbon technology, reduces the hull's weight while increasing its quality compared to aluminum constructions.

Resistance to aging

The use of different fibre structures and resins as well as core materials tailored to specific requirements provides a composite structure that shows a marked reduction in material fatigue compared to aluminum structures and therefore increases longevity.

Resistance to weathering

It goes without saying that the materials used in shipbuilding have to be absolutely water-resistant. The minimal permeation of humidity (vapour barrier) is reduced by the considerably improved chemical properties of the resins, i.e. the water resistance of the carbon construction stops osmosis. Consequently the material will not corrode, giving it a considerable advantage compared to aluminum constructions.

Connecting joints

Ship structures i.e. hulls up to 50 length meters can now be manufactured in one piece. Joints between the moulded parts or sandwich panels are fabricated using strengthening materials and a special bonding technique; this produces much higher strength compared to weld joints in aluminum constructions

The copyright for all development of FINTRY catamarans is owned by FINTRY Marine Design AG.

FINTRY CarboCAT a new generation of commercial Vessels in carbon fibre sandwich technology

Hull construction

Many details and superstructures can be fitted as complete units and are ready for surface finishing. Construction time is then considerably shorter compared to the hull construction of an aluminum ship.

Compared to carbon constructions, aluminum hulls require considerably more time for welding, mainly due to the larger number of bulkheads and stringers needed, plus time-consuming insulation and the extra cost of interior fittings after the completion of the hull.

This means that the required time for constructing the hulls proves that ships built using carbon technology have a distinct advantage over aluminum constructions.

Differences in cost

Up to now, constructions using carbon technology have been very expensive and only been used where costs were of secondary importance and results were the primary goal, such as in car and yacht racing or competitive aviation. These days the laws of physics also play an ever-increasing and commercial role.

Reduced weight

uses less energy for propulsion
uses less energy for acceleration
produces less destructive energy

If technology remains the same reducing the weight of the hull will lead to higher speeds while energy usage remains constant. Or if speed remains the same, energy usage will decrease. Therefore efficiency will increase.