Since the opening of Cray Valley’s sophisticated R2,5-million Polycor gelcoat plant in Prospecton, south of Durban, this technology has been successfully combined with the plant’s manufacturing process to produce high-quality Polycor gelcoats for the South African market.
The positive acceptance of the product locally has largely been attributed to its ease of use, the success of its application in both brush and spray form, and to its availability in any colour for any quantity.
Other distinctive features of the product include a high level of gloss retention, resiliency and superior durability and weatherability.
In addition, the fact that coloured gelcoats are formulated without the use of cadmium- and lead-containing pigments makes these the most environment-friendly of all gelcoats.
The plant is the country’s most modern dedicated gelcoat-manufacturing facility, and has been designed to ensure that the products are formulated in accordance with ISO 9002 quality requirements.
It is monitored through strict quality-control checks on a regular basis.
Cray Valley South Africa acquired the technology from its sister company, CCP, in the US.
The plant’s manufacturing expertise is the result of numerous product refinements made over the years by both CCP in the US and in the UK.
The plant upgrade, with its R1,5-million dicyclopentadiene (DCPD)-based unsaturated polyester plant modification, has enabled the company to meet specific Enydyne processing requirements.
This makes Cray Valley the only manufacturer of Enydyne resins in South Africa, with monthly sales having already topped the R1,5-million mark.
The range of DCPD resins is based on technology developed in the US, where the product has achieved consistent success over the past 20 years and, more recently, on its success in Europe.
Main benefits of DCPD resins for end-users include: excellent wet-out of glass-fibre reinforcement and fillers, allowing faster consolidation; a reduction in styrene emissions of up to 50%, resulting in a cleaner working environment; increased fibreglass-to-resin ratios to improve the strength of composite parts; a reduction in resin use of up to 20%; a rapid increase in hardness, resulting in reduced surface tack and faster mould turnaround; and a reduction in fibre print-through, which improves overall cosmetic appearance.
“The launch of DCPD resins into South Africa reflects Cray Valley’s commitments towards introducing international resin technology into the local market,” said GM Craig Paton-Ash.
Edited by: Roelf Diedericks
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