All our bodies are hand laid 6oz csm. We have used every type of medium, composite and resin for the Cobra body. We would like to explore and compare two types of resin which we use for the layup of the Cobra body.
Different considerations to look at when using Vinylester or Armastar ISO phtalhalic DCPD high grade polyester.
1. CURING - Vinylester resins are definitely stronger than polyester resins. This being the case let's explore some PRO's, CON's. Vinylester is ambient cured and what this means if not heated to the optimum temperature it will remain active. This means the panel would need to be cured in the mould to stop twist and movement when the temperature reaches optimum curing. Most manufacturers cure out of the mould because of the heat needed to treat the panel, causing problems to moulds. DCPD ISO phthalic resin cures fully 8 hours out of mould, a much more user friendly resin.
2. HEAT DEFLECTION - Vinylester 25% better heat range. DCPD ISO phtalhalic resin used alongside our aerospace designed ceramic paint heat transfer is virtually stopped.
3. TEXTURE - - Again Vinylester 25% stronger than DCPD. With this in mind we decided to do some testing. Under a crash test situation both front and side impacts were very similar. This was due to chassis design and crumple zones. Our chassis has one of the strongest side impact zones in the industry due to our corrugated steel floor. Most manufacturers use sheet aluminium, conclusion even though the Vinylester is the strongest. Both bodies would need repair and safety wasn't compromised.
4. TENSILE STRENGTH - Virtually same result as above except Vinylester held panel together better. Diagnosis - the chassis was the key player demonstrating that the body was more a cosmetic design than a strength and safety issue. Therefore a change in body medium was not a big disadvantage for our body/chassis configuration. With other manufacturers the result could differ.
5. MODULAR STRENGTH - This characteristic property is very important in a car body such as a Cobra for straightness of panel. Vinylester 8080 MPA Armaster DCDD 150 phtalhalic 9300 MPA.
6. DIAGNOSIS - In a Cobra kit car built for the street, both resins are similar, both resins have advantages, disadvantages. Vinylester costs twice as much as DCPD ISO phtalhalic. In a race car situation injury on a percentage basis could be increased, so extra cost and a little extra strength and weight saving would be the answer. Everyone has different needs, so everyone at G-Force will do all they can to accommodate everyone. This is why we have tried to demonstrate two types of resins based around strength cost and safety. Our standard resin is DCPD. We would rather pass a cost saving onto you without sacrificing safety. Everyone likes an option. If you want a specific resin or laminate please ask.
For more information give us a call at The Factory
G-Force Sports Cars WA
Unit 5/31 Peel Rd
O'Connor, Perth Western Australia 6163
R D GRAVE
Phone: 08 9331 2509
Mobile: 04 1224 4691
Email : shelby@iinet.net.au
Website : http://www.gforcesportscars.com.au
