Buoyancy Assemblies
Our low density syntactic foams, in combination with our wealth of design experience and value-added capabilities ensure optimal syntactic performance even under significant hydrostatic pressures. Quick-turn buoyancy packages are also available. These packages are fully machined to shape and include protective skins and coatings, as well as inserts for attachment to a vehicle or auxiliary equipment. > Learn More
Structural Materials
The impressive mechanical properties syntactic foam provide strength, structural integrity, thermal protection and resistance to water absorption, at a significantly lower weight per volume than most traditional materials. This makes syntactic materials the ideal solution for many Defense applications. > Learn More
Precision Gaskets & Seals
Globe has developed a new family of super high-strength compliant material that is ideal for demanding gasket and sealing applications. How tough and reliable is this material? It is used as the gaskets for missile hatches on all US Navy submarines. > Learn More
Developing a Recreational Diving Helmet
How Composites Saved Sub Sea Systems® an Estimated $1.5 Million Over 3 Years
Our Process: How We Went from Problem to Solution
Globe's client, Sub Sea Systems®, provides recreational diving systems to resorts and aquariums worldwide for Sub Sea's Sea Trek® tours. A demanding application, since the helmet needs to function under submersible pressures, sustain the wear-and-tear of everyday use, withstand chlorinated/salt water and the intense UV rays of the sun. Since Sub Sea Systems® and their Sea Trek® tours are growing rapidly, the company was having difficulty keeping up with demand as each helmet was handmade using lay-up fiberglass requiring 40 man-hours of work. Over 50 lbs. of ballast weight was integrated into the helmet itself, making it costly to ship to worldwide. Additionally, the fiberglass helmet would often chip, peel or crack, requiring expensive and time consuming repairs.
Why We Selected Brandonite® 1100-80D
Globe developed a tough, UV-resistant, liquid-castable material -- Brandonite® 1100-80D -- for Sea Trek®'s helmet's shell that can be poured into a mold producing the finished shell with minimal secondary, finishing work. The scratch-resistant helmet's shell is durable with the color embedded into the material -- thus, improving physical appearance of the overall helmet, reducing damage, and the need for constant repairs. The liquid castable material allows for greater design flexibility, letting Globe create a modular ballast system for the helmet's shell, which can be shipped separately, saving Sub Sea Systems® shipping and handling expense.
Benefits and Results
The end result is a more cost-effective, more durable, and rapidly produced part with a better finished quality that meets our customer demands. Shipping, maintenance, and repair costs are reduced significantly. Globe estimates that it will save the Sub Sea Systems® approximately $1.5 million over the next 3 years by using Globe's all-composite shell for their helmet.
Material
Brandonite®1100-80D. This liquid-cast high-performance polyurethane combines outstanding rigidity with an excellent balance of physical properties such as wear resistance, hydrolytic degradation, and UV-stability.
Development Time
Total development time for this product was 11 months. Five months were spent on formulating and testing the material's durability for UV-resistance and other wear and tear. The material had to be tough enough for the application, yet still provide an aesthetically pleasing finished product.
Potential Applications
Brandonite® 1100-80D is ideal for replacing components traditionally made with fiberglass. Target volumes are typically less than 5,000 parts per year and can be of any size. The liquid casting approach allows for complex geometries to be formed using low-cost tooling while eliminating or reducing traditional post-machining or finishing operations associated with hand lay-up fiberglass and a gel-coat. Possible applications include:
- Defense / Submersible - Sonar, acoustic or radar Covers
- Marine - Housings, covers, and accessories
- Medical - Covers, bezels and structural uses
- Industrial – Covers and structural uses.
