“FAQs: Some Common Questions We Have Been Asked And Their Answers”

 

Some Common Questions We Have Been Asked

Question. Will the hull be “ultra smooth”

Answer. To be direct with you, no it will have a slight silky feel to it. If you wish a glossy, fine hull then the PLA hull sands nicely and you may wish to spray or brush on a finishing material like wetted epoxy to further enhance the finish. We can’t see any reason to have anything except the normal matt finish that comes raw from our specialist and Patented 3D printing process. The performance does not seem to change when prototypes with each hull finish are compared. Doing some reading into slow velocity fluid dynamics and Reynold Numbers should help you understand why it is not necessary. But by all means spend some time with the sandpaper and specialist finishes.

Question. Why we don’t paint the hulls?

Answer.  A basic answer is: weight, weight and weight. We are delivering to you resilient, strong, rigid AND lightweight flyers… why would we then add more mass? Think about it? The hulls are already epoxy coated inside before they are released to you. The PLA (the 3D printing material we prefer) already comes with a naturally wonderful colour. PLA is also very UV resistant and should be cared for just like a normal fibreglass or carbon fibre hull.

Question. What happens if the hull is damaged?

Answer. We are of the opinion now through our research that they are much easier to repair than any other hull material. If badly damaged, then hull replacement is a very economical process with the help of 3D Printed Radio Yachts. Just contact us.

 Question. What about resistance to UV light? A major problem in outdoor sports.

Answer. With 12 months of prototypes now behind us, there does not appear to be the slightest problem with the PLA we use for the 3D Lightweight Flyers. But to help you believe this, here is an extract from a very thorough investigation into PLA and its properties by scientists from the USA and UK:

“UV resistance. Unlike other synthetic fibers, PLA does not absorb light in the visible region of the spectrum; this leads to very low strength loss compared to petroleum-based fibers when exposed to ultraviolet light” (Farrington etal.: “Poly (lactic) Fibres”).

Question. Can I get replacement parts if I make a mistake when constructing?

Answer. Yes, most definitely. AND, we will not rip you off. The parts can be replaced quickly at very reasonable prices. We intend to look after our fellow sailors. It is all part of our desire to promote this wonderful new technology that is within the grasp of the average sailor wanting to keep the price of sailing down. Don’t forget, with the help of a CAD, some fun designing and a good printer, you can just about make anything yourself overnight.

 Hope this helps.

Regards

Selwyn Holland

(Co-designer and research coordinator at “3D Printed Radio Yachts”)