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Understanding Epoxy and Heat Deflection Temperature By Bruce Niederer — GBI Technical Advisor Above: The test apparatus holds five of the test samples shown below in a bath of heated oil while a three-point load is applied to the sample. It is used to determine heat deflection under load (HDUL) temperature and the effects of […]
How to choose the best materials when building flat panels by Jeff Wright — Vice President of Technical Services Above: Jeff Wright, Vice President of GBI Technical Services, poised to take a deep dive into types, materials, costs, weight, and stiffness of flat panels. Many WEST SYSTEM® customers appreciate the benefits of cored composite construction. […]
by Tom Pawlak — GBI Technical Advisor Necessity is the mother of invention, and razor blades are often called into service for a variety of tasks around the shop other than shaving. Here are a few. Mini-Spreader Razor blades can be used in a pinch to apply caulks and thickened epoxies with great precision. They […]
by Tom Pawlak — GBI Technical Advisor Above: Three 8″ plywood supports isolate the mold from the mold strongback. Back in the 1980s, Gougeon Brothers, Inc. was one of the largest producers of wind turbine blades in the US. The blades were built of wood veneer and epoxy, and varied in length from 10′ to […]
by Brian Knight—GBI Technical Advisor Above: This strongback table is used to assemble airplane wings in John Staudacher’s shop. It must not twist or sag. Jon Staudacher, of Staudacher Hydroplanes and Aircraft, has been using a long, very flat, work table/strongback that is mounted on casters. The table was originally 32′ long, but because of […]
