ACE Awards - Technical Innovation for Corrosion Application

Technical Innovation for Corrosion Application
Sponsored by Ashland, Inc.

This award is presented to the entry judged to best incorporate corrosion-resistant features in the final product.

Entry: Composites Platform Trailer

Submitted by: Martin Marietta Composites, Inc.; Raleigh, North Carolina

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Martin Marietta Composites’ first, virtually all-composite platform trailer features a one-piece TRANSONITE® deck and vacuum infused subframe beams with no floor crossmembers. The product is an extremely durable, low weight, pultruded composite sandwich panel consisting of glass fiber-reinforced polymer laminate skins and a foam core. Other composite components include the vacuum infused main beams, suspension crossmembers, outriggers and the rear impact guard. Benefits of this trailer include lower weight, corrosion resistance, durability and ease of repair. The increased payload and longer life expectancy reduces costs for the operator resulting increased margins in the face of rising costs for fuel, insurance and driver pay.