Sonar domes_

Solico developed a new generation of sonar domes for the Royal Dutch Navy. The domes combine superior sonar transparency with robustness needed for severe sea conditions. Recently we developed sonar domes for the Royal Danish Navy, based on a similar design.

The Shoal London_

A shimmering wall of titanium fish is featured in the Olympic village Metro station The giant fish are constructed from GRP skins over GRP frames and cladded on the outside by titanium skins.

Bulk trailer_

Together with our customer Solico developed a bulk carrier trailer transporting waste water treatment plant residue. The lightweight design offers a larger load capacity. The non-stick surface finish on the inside guarantees a smooth and complete discharge.

Design and engineering of composite products is our core business_

The largest independent composite engineering company in the Benelux.

Our vast experience is the best start for the success of your product.

Independence from production methods and suppliers results in the best design.

Our track record? See our projects and ask our customers!

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Why composites?

Insulation

Typical GRP lambda values are 1, compared to 50 for steel and 237 for aluminium, which results in excellent insulation properties.

Non-magnetic

The non-magnetic properties of glassfiber reinforced composites are a major advantage especially in sonar and radar applications.

Low maintenance

Steel structures typically require periodic maintenance such as conservation and paint systems to prevent corrosion. Composites are not susceptible to corrosion resulting in lower Life-cycle costs.

Limited thermal expansion

Thermal expansion of composite materials can be tuned. Depending on the fiber used it can vary between 0 and 30 where steel has an alpha of 12.

Chemical/corrosion resistance

Composite materials are resistant to a lot of chemical products such as acids, hydroxides, crude oil, etc. Corrosion resistance against salt and seawater is excellent.

Lightweight

The specific weight of composites varies between 1.5 and 2.0 compared to 2.7 to 7.8 for aluminium and steel.

Esthetics

Slender constructions and seamless façades are examples of esthetics driven design. These type of structures are impossible to construct with traditional materials.

Freedom of geometry

Double curved shapes are easily produced in composite materials at almost no extra cost. For production of limited series the relatively low moulding costs are an additional benefit.

Integration of functions

By combining functions such as strength and insulation in one product, a composite solution is often more cost effective than the sum of traditional solutions.

High stiffness to weight ratio

The stiffness to weight ratio of a high modulus carbon fiber construction is typically 5 times higher than steel or aluminium.

Cost effectiveness

Though composite materials themselves are slightly more expensive than metals, combining properties such as insulation and weight savings often results in a cost effective product.

Sonar/Radar Transparency

Composites are very well known for their transparency to radar and low damping properties.

High strength

In general, fiber reinforced plastics outperform metals (e.g. steel and aluminium) in strength.

Fatigue

The fatigue resistance of composites is much better than that of metals. Of course fatigue failure also occurs in GRP and CFRP and has to be analysed in detail.