ACE Awards - People's Choice

Peoples Choice
Sponsored by: AOC and Composites One

This award is presented to the product that is chosen as the superior product by COMPOSITES convention attendees. All convention attendees have the opportunity to judge the entries and cast their vote for the product they feel exhibits the highest degree of design, innovation, creativity and best use of composite materials.

Entry: Baja Outlaw with Innovative Stringer System
Submitted by: Baja Marine; Bucyrus, Ohio

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
A joint collaboration between Toray, A&P Technology and Baja Marine resulted in the development of a stringer system allowing a higher strength to weight ratio than traditional fiberglass construction. Seeing the huge potential within the marine market for a more efficient design, Baja’s Engineering Team, Toray and A&P funded the engineering, design and testing of this new stringer system. A&P developed a hybrid material to meet the needs of the design criteria provided by Baja Marine. The hybrid reinforcement is a 38" wide 0, +/- 45 degree fiberglass braid with selectively located carbon axials. The use of fiberglass enables cost savings in areas of the stringer where stiffness is not the driving factor. The T700 carbon fiber axials provide the stiffness required. This unique combination of fiberglass and carbon within a single layer of reinforcement reduces labor, saves weight, increases speed and decreases fuel consumption. The stringer system is manufacturered using the resin infusion process.