“The challenge was to develop a fabric with high permeability in all directions that can be integrated into the structure of large composite parts without damaging their mechanical characteristics, while reducing infusion process costs. And we succeeded, thanks to our collaborative work and long term partnership with Groupe Beneteau team,” explains Claude Chabal, Product Manager at Chomarat.

The result? An innovative design which brings unprecedented flow performance and superior mechanical properties.

TOWARDS GREENER COMPOSITE MATERIALS

In addition to lightweighting, the use of G-FLOW™ reinforcement in the resin infusion process reduces the impact on health and the environment, through a reduction in consumables and waste: 50% fewer consumables used for resin supply networks compared with previous solutions and a 7% reduction in resin consumption, offering better cycle time as well as labour and material costs savings.

Besides, G-FLOW™ can replace any flow media in large-scale parts using the resin infusion process for the same mechanical properties, offering two products in one. “G-FLOW™ 980L meets all our expectations: isotropic permeability, mechanical performance and overall cost savings,” adds Damien Barre, Head of Project for composite materials R&D at Groupe Beneteau.