Resin transfer molding allowed short development time and low-cost tooling in the production of the new ski tram vehicle at Disney World in Orlando, Fla. Design Evolution 4 Inc. of Lebanon, Ohio, developed the tram, which has a sandwich construction with a core of balsa wood or PVC foam surrounded by glass-fiber-reinforced thermoset polyester skin. The entire composite is loaded in a tool and injected in a single process.
Quick Information Card No. 96
Acetal a canitary choice for conveyor
Acetal resin ensures a sanitary, cut-resistant conveyor belt in a meat processing plant.
Falcon Belting Inc. of Oklahoma City developed the belt, which uses patented modules of Delrin acetal resin supplied by DuPont Engineering Polymers.
The modules, injection molded by Keco Inc. of Oklahoma City, have an easy-to-clean, hinged joint and smooth, continuous surfaces. Each module is 8 inches wide, 2 inches long and five-sixteenths of an inch thick.
DuPont is in Wilmington, Del.
Quick Information Card No. 97
J-von TPE aimed at bicycle grips
J-Von L.P.'s Hercuprene ther-moplastic elastomer is a clear, soft grade developed for the athletic sports bicycle market.
Hercuprene 3959 is weatherable with a tacky feel and Shore hardness of less than 45A. It is used for bicycle grips and has other potential uses. J-Von is based in Leominster, Mass.
Quick Information Card No. 98
Unusual water-craft uses FR composites
Looking like a cross between a Jet Ski and the Space Shuttle, the Hydroforce by Anchor Industries Inc. is touted by the company as a ``strikingly different alternative to conventional boating.''
Anchor, a custom supplier of fiberglass-reinforced structural composites based in Traverse City, Mich., introduced the boat in the spring. Orders for the $12,000 two-seater craft have arrived from the Mideast, Latin America and Japan, said spokesman Rodney Caswell.
Anchor promises a top speed of 40 mph for the Hydroforce, which has a fiberglass hull and comes with a removable canopy. A joystick control allows either passenger to drive. Anchor said the boat can turn 180 degrees within the width of its wake.
Quick Information Card No. 99
