JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #45 - November/December 2008 - 61

handling procedures required during the moulding process and the post-moulding manufacturing processes. Both the current material and NanoXcel™ can be moulded and manufactured without resetting the manufacturing process and equipment. Compression moulding uses a closed mould that captures and contains any harmful volatile organic compounds until they are neutralized before opening the mould. Improvements and future prospects The new nano-engineered material reduces the weight of the hull, deck and liner by 25% (without using microbubbles) while increasing the part strength. When compared with standard 1.9 density SMC, this weight reduction noticeably improves acceleration and topend speed performance while reducing fuel consumption. Nanotechnology also improves the material flow conditions in the moulding process, which results in an improved surface finish without sanding and reduces defects in the painted surface. NanoXcel is currently being used for Yamaha hulls, decks and liners on personal watercraft, but has the potential to be extended to create additional parts and product lines. Yamaha Motor believes this innovation will create new momentum in the marine industry to develop stronger, lighter materials that can deliver significant benefits to consumers. NanoXcel hulls, decks and liners include the all-new Yamaha FX Cruiser® SHO™, FX® SHO™ WaveRunners® and Yamaha's high-output models. These models are already available and start at $11,599 MSRP "Consumers will instantly be able to . feel the difference provided by NanoXcel. The lighter weight material, with its remarkably smooth finish, is more nimble and agile in the water than anything else we've sold," says Mark Speaks, president of Yamaha Watercraft Group. "We will be continuing our pursuit of advanced technologies wherever we can find real benefit for the consumer." Already on the market In 2008, Yamaha models that feature More information: www.interplastic.com www.yamaha-motor.com AN INTERVIEW WITH HAROLD WALLACE, WATERVEHICLE PRODUCT ENGINEER, YAMAHA MOTOR MANUFACTURING CORPORATION JEC Composites Magazine: What kind of part do composites play in your products? HAROLD WALLACE: Our products are personal watercraft. Without composite materials, there probably would be no personal watercraft industry today, least wise, not a product like the personal watercraft enthusiasts of today are enjoying. We use NanoXcel SMC and traditional SMC composite materials to construct the hull, deck and liner portions of Yamaha personal watercraft. With these composite materials, our engineers can better shape the hull to maximize function and performance. Not only can they design the watercraft with a structural integrity that withstands the most severe of riding conditions with little to no damage, but they can also create styling and ergonomics within the deck that our customers are proud to own and like to be seen riding. Composite materials provide all of this while providing a surface that allows for a class A surface finish. And composite materials accomplish everything above at a much lower cost than any other structural material. I would like to say thanks to all the different companies and their people along with the people here at Yamaha that were a part of the development of "Nanoxcel" material. Without their many contributions to this project, we may not have "Nanoxcel" today. A great group of people to work with. Thanks again. No45 November-December 2008 / jec composites magazine

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JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #45 - November/December 2008

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #45 - November/December 2008