Light, Durable
and Efficient
In the early 1990's Bainbridge International's application of scrim
technology, revolutionised the laminated sailcloth market. Since
then Bainbridge has remained at the leading edge through evolution and
perfection of the original concept. The most recent upgrades to
the DIAX range has once again put Bainbridge at the leading edge.
The DIAX
range of high performance laminates from Bainbridge International is
designed to deliver the ultimate combination of light weight and durability
sought by all racing sailors.
All DIAX products are based on our scrim component technology.
Flat, untwisted ribbons of fibre are formed into a number of scrims
that maximise the performance of the yarn. In every DIAX fabric
a zero crimp warp/fill scrim resists primary and secondary loading.
This is combined with a unique 45' diagonal axis scrim to reduce
bias stretch.
DIAX improves
sail shape retention with diagonal axis fibres forming a buttress, locking
together the warp and fill yarns to keep your sail's design shape.
DIAX sails are light because bias loading is resisted by low stretch
fibres instead of a heavier thickness of film.
DIAX sails last because durable multi-axis yams are used to resist off-threadline
loads, instead of less durable film. The diagonal axis ribbons also
support a traditionally weak area in laminates, reducing degradation
from an effect known as 'hinging'.
To further increase durability PP and PW styles incorporate a taffeta
backing.
DIAX-P provides
superb performance and durability at an economical price. All
styles feature zero crimp scrims, made from the latest Dupont Dacron
and a black polyester diagonal axis scrim to support the bias and lock
in sail shape. Ideal for dinghy, sportsboat and club race applications
on yachts up to 40ft (1 3m), DIAX-P is available in both film/film and
to give extra durability, film/taffeta (PP) constructions.
DIAX - LSP is a mid range laminate with a higher performance spec compared
with DIAX - P, but without the expense of our higher tech constructions.
DIAX-LSP's
provide a reduction in warp stretch by utilising Pentex, a highbred
polyester fibre with 250% higher modulus (less stretch) than 0 standard
polyesters. These 14 products also last longer thanks to improved
UV resistance.
DIAX-LSP is suitable for a variety of applications including dinghies,
sportsboats and club race yachts up to 45ft (1 4m).
Born out of the quest for ultimate efficiency these complex HMT constructions
have been developed using several component fibres. We have specifically
selected High Modulus Twaron because it is the leading edge yarn for
high performance laminate construction. This is backed by independent
tests which have shown that HMT has the edge in terms of higher modulus,
improved flex strength and increased durability, over other yarns specifically
developed for sailcloth manufacture.
Component fibres are combined in scrims that benefit from the strengths
of all the fibres used. High Modulus Twaron warps provide incredible
strength in the primary load bearing axis. Kevlar fibres are
used to resist load fills, while Spectra ripstop adds tear strength
to the finished laminate. Finally a Spectra DIAX scrim adds bias
stability to lock sail shape.
DIAX-HMT
laminates are suitable for no compromise applications from dinghies
up to America's Cup class yacht and are available in film/film, film/taffeta
(PP) and film/kevlar taffeta (PW) style.
DIAX-OS-HMT is found on leading yachts in some of the world's toughest
races. In applications where ultimate efficiency is essential,
but durability can simply not be sacrificed, these fabrics excel.
As offshore racing yachts become more extreme so the sailcloth technology
needed has advanced. Based on our DIAX-HMT styles, OS products
include a double Spectra Diax scrim to provide an unrivalled level of
performance and durability.
