Efteling theme park, Netherlands_

Solico made the structural design of various objects used in entertainment parks or in public space as artwork. Examples include "The Flying Dutchman" and "Python" carts, the "Sprookjesboom" support structure and the "Wonderwachter" lamps.

Crash tender cabin_

Solico carried out the structural verification of the composite cabin of this airport crash tender, designed for use in aircraft rescue and firefighting. In cases of incidents, the firefighters are protected by the incredibly strong but light composite cabin.

Façade Windesheim college, Zwolle_

The façade comprises of large lightweight composite panels which integrate multiple functions: structure, insulation and aesthetics. Because of the lightweight structure, panels of quite large sizes could be produced, therefore ensuring time and cost savings during the assembly process. The production of the panels also happened in parallel to the process of the building being built. 

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.

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Why composites?

High strength

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

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.

Lightweight

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

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.

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.

Sonar/Radar Transparency

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

Non-magnetic

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

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.

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.

Insulation

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

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.

Aesthetics

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

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.

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.