Baltek's AL-600' Increases L a m i n a t e Bond Strength, Cuts Resin Use A n d Labor

Baltek Corporation of Northvale, N.J., has developed "AL-600," a totally new core product with a revolutionary surface treatment engineered for hi-tech vacuum bag, pre-preg and wet sandwich layup construction of boats, industrial, aerospace and military products.

According to the manufacturer, the use of Baltek AL-600 greatly strengthens the inter-laminate bond in sandwich construction while substantially reducing the amount of resin required and effecting significant labor savings.

The sealed end-grain core in Baltek AL-600 requires less resin to wet out than cellular plastic or honeycomb cores. All laminating applications will benefit, especially those involving positive pressure such as vacuum-bagging, autoclaving and press laminating. Pre-wetting the core is no longer necessary with AL- 600, saving resin and labor in wet laminations.

Chemically formulated to serve as a "tie-coat," the surface modification enhances the bond of the coating to the core and the resin to the coating. The bond is far greater than if the resin were applied directly over the unmodified core.

When general purpose polyester resins are used in conjunction with Baltek AL-600, strength improvements up to 20 percent have been achieved in comparison with Baltek's existing high bond strength core materials.

A further benefit is that the coating acts as a buffer between the organic balsa and the synthetic materials used by laminators. This minimizes any dimensional changes in the core that might occur due to variations in humidity. Longer gel times will be more easily accommodated.

All Baltek balsa is kiln-dried at the mill. Subsequent coating with resin in the AL-600 process further protects the encapsulated wood and enhances the fungicidal effect.

For further information on AL- 600 from Baltek Corporation, C i r c l e 8 2 o n Reader S e r v i c e C a rd

Maritime Reporter Magazine, page 9, Apr 1986

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Maritime Reporter

First published in 1881 Maritime Reporter is the world's largest audited circulation publication serving the global maritime industry.