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H O WI S3DL MADE? > >
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3DL sails are available in many diff e rent combinations of yarn, yarn layout and film.Your North Sails re p resentative is pre p a red to help you determine which style of 3DL perf o rmance is the rightchoice for your boat and your budget. 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . All styles are also available with North TF ta f f e ta films for added chafe, tear and UV resistance on one or both sides. A R A M I D 100% CARBON North Sails Virtual Wind Tunnel simulates theforce that hits the sail while sailing. A mechanical comb keeps the yarns separateand parallel as they are applied to the mold. Film and yarns are bonded by heating.In the loft: the manufacturing phase.Sails finishing. The mold is shaped with an hydraulic system. North Gatorback is tensioned on the basefilm. Aramid fibers are the most commonly used fiber for racing sails. We use Twaron 49which is the best aramid fiber available. Sails derived from the AC. The fact that the sail is entirely built of Carbon fiber requires expert sail trimmers and handlers. A 3DL sails begins with a custom 3-dimensionaldesign file created with the exclusive North Sailssoftware.The sail-designer precisely defines the sail's 3-dimensional "flying shape" using fluid-dynamicscomputer simulation. > >
3 .4 . A sophisticated computer program reads the designer files, then instructs an articulating moldto assume the designed 3D shape. The mold isshaped with an hydraulic system.A pair of lasers scans the mould surface toensure the accuracy of the shape within imperceptible tolerances.Than a base layer of mylar film is tensioned overthe mould. A 6-axis fiber head suspended from an overhead gantry applies structural yarn onto the surface ofthe film.The fiber head "draws" the pattern in yarn thatmatches anticipated loads in sail.All structural yarns are applied under uniform tension and adhere to the surface of the film. < <
A second film, North Gatorback, is tensioned onthe top of the base film and yarn to handle incidental loads off primary loads lines. C A R B O N / A R A M I D 100% CARBONS U P E RYACHT LAY O U T These sails have a combination of aramid and carbon fiber. The 2 fibers give both lowstretch as well as long sailing life. These sails are forgiving of the breakdown due to the frequent tacking in fleet racing. This special yarn layout is appropriate for yachts longer than 80 feet. The material is100% Carbon Fiber and includes special yarn passes to oppose the loads encountered infull batten in boom furling systems. > >
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IACC CARBON FIBER 8 . This is a special grade of carbon fiber developed for AC sails. These sails represent themaximum strength and lightness possible today. M A R AT H O N These are the 3DL sails studied especially for cruising yachts. They feature a double sidedtaffeta film which gives extraordinary longevity to these sails. The 3DL Marathon productis for cruisers who want the maximum performance even though they may not race. Vacuum pressure applied to the laminate. Vacuum pressure is applied to the laminate at approximately 2400 kg. per square meter. A carbon element heat "blanket" cures the pressurized laminate. The sail is cured further for five days in order to lock in the shape. The sail is shipped to the loft where corner reinforcements and protective patches are appliedby sailmakers.