Atech Composites Leads the Way with Next-Level Testing Methods

NEXT-LEVEL TESTING

The Horizon Group continues to pioneer the evolution of advanced composite yacht construction as the world’s first and only yacht builder to implement a variety of Non-Destructive-Testing (NDT) methods.

For two decades, Horizon has been pioneering the advancement

of composite yacht construction through the e orts of its subsidiary Atech Composites. Founded in 2000, Atech specializes in advanced composites, producing not only the hull, decks and superstructure of every Horizon yacht, but also providing Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) components across multiple industries in Asia and beyond. Atech has been behind such notable achievements as the world-record infusion of a 140ft yacht hull in a single shot and many award-winning cross-industry composite components from wind turbine blades to high-speed rail cars. In 2004, Atech developed an improved 3D resin infusion technology that transforms the original 2D resin ow on surfaces to 3D ow, which climbs up and down internal sti eners, enabling the build of far larger structures than previously possible. In 2020, Atech further re ned its 3D infusion capabilities by introducing and patenting 6D vacuum infusion technology. is process infuses a yacht hull with 3D-infused macro structure of the longitudinal girders and transverse frame with the 3D-infused micro structure glass fabric cloth. is revolutionary process guarantees more e cient and even resin distribution throughout the lamination, thus ensuring a consistency of quality and allowing for the single-process construction of hulls over 140 feet. Atech continued the advancements of composite construction by introducing several non-destructive-testing methods utilized by the aerospace industry. While many shipyards do now use vacuum infusion for a yacht hull and small parts, most still use conventional methods of measurement and inspection (such as tapping a surface with a hammer to identify sound di erence and detect defects) for the infused composite hulls. Horizon is now the world’s rst and only shipyard to apply multiple aerospace testing methods to ensure the quality of every yacht it builds. After the analysis and testing of the raw materials used in the infusion process, each hull is tested for structural integrity after coming out of the mold via the following methods. Implementing multiple testing methods allows for the most accurate detection of any defect to ensure the ultimate in structural integrity.

I // ULTRASONIC TESTING (UT) Ultrasonic Testing utilizes sound waves to penetrate the layers of the composite materials and detect air pockets, cracks or other defects. If a defect is detected, the re ecting sound wave will di er from the original wave, and the technicians will use the di ering sound wave to mark the location of the defect.

III // LASER SHEAROGRAPHY Laser Shearography is the latest aerospace inspection technology, wherein a laser light is directed on a component to provide information about the quality of di erent materials in strain measurement. With this system a di erence of less than one nanometer can be detected. is system is able to detect abnormalities in a composite structure, including disbondings, delaminations, dry spots, voids and cracks. II // INFRARED THERMOGRAPHY (IRT) Infrared ermography uses a high-resolution thermal imaging camera to detect radiation and display it as temperature distribution. If detected, an area with a defect displays a temperature variance, allowing technicians to identify the type of defect.

IV // 3D OPTICAL COORDINATE

MEASURING SYSTEM

Also known as Computer-Aided Veri cation (CAV), this system incorporates a high-end 3D optical scanning machine with a computer-aided detection system to precisely measure the dimensions of the plug and female molds. e system can be used to measure small- and large-scale molds as well as nished products. Every Horizon mold is inspected via this system.

MAIN IMAGE AND BELOW

Cracks, air pockets or other defects can be detected via Ultrasonic Testing.

ABOVE

Infrared Thermography detects any hull defects through temperature variance.

BELOW

Laser Shearography allows for the precise detection of any critical defects, such as delaminations, cracks, dry spots or voids.

Each method is applied according to the most e cient means of inspection as well as the properties of the raw materials. Ultrasonic Testing (UT) is commonly used to inspect small parts, whereas Infrared ermography (IRT) and Laser Shearography are applicable for large-scale components. IRT is used for materials with good thermo conductivity as it identi es defects according to temperature variance. When the thermo conductivity of the materials is not good, Laser Shearography is applied because it identi es the defects according to sti ness variation. Every area of a Horizon yacht hull is inspected with the NDT methods prior to delivery and the inspection report is submitted to the owners. is includes speci c areas, which are double L shapes, angles and surfaces with gel coat that are invisible underneath (usually above the waterline), and critical areas, which are thick lamination areas and thickness discrepancy areas that will in uence resin ow and distribution. Horizon is the only shipyard in Asia with GL Renewables’ GL Shop Approval, which is a certi cation used in high-end wind turbine production and repair. Strict quality control during production mitigates most inner defects, thus most defects are minor, such as voids or bubbles on the surface. If a defect is detected, Atech follows the GL Renewables Certi cation norms to repair and return the part to the original lamination. e repair process depends on the type of defect and the part is re-inspected after the repair is completed. Horizon’s continuous investment in the research and development of the latest advanced composites technology and testing methods serves to further ensure that each Horizon yacht is extremely durable and lightweight, with any hidden defects eliminated or reduced to a minimum.

Learn More About Atech Composites

Horizon FD87 SKYLINE

Learn More About the FD87 Hull 18

DUTCH DESIGN

FEATURE YACHT

DOWN UNDER

A limited-edition design from the Cor D. Rover Signature Series, the latest FD87 features a beach garage and touch-and-go helipad.

Offering some of the world’s most exquisite cruising grounds, Australia is as

varied as she is beautiful, as wild as she is cultured. Boating and yachting is in the blood of those who live along her extraordinary coastline, and an emphasis on exploration and adventure is imbued within the vessels they prefer. Australia has become an important market for Horizon Yachts over the years, not only due to the region’s proximity to the Horizon headquarters and shipyards in Taiwan, but for the seamless collaboration that occurs between builder and client with each new yacht. Australian owners are by and large owner/operators, and Horizon’s E and RP Series have enjoyed popularity in this market. e introduction of the high-volume FD Series saw equal success here, with clients appreciating the spacious layout, the stable High-Performance Piercing Bow and hull design, and Horizon’s openness to collaboration and customization. →

BELOW

Renowned designer Cor D. Rover lent his talents to the interior design of this Limited Edition Signature Series FD87.

World-renowned Dutch designer Cor D. Rover is the creative behind the acclaimed Fast Displacement (FD) Series and has many Australian owners among his own clientele, whether for exterior or interior design. Rover also counts several notable Horizon interiors in his portfolio, including the RP110 e Legion (Vol. 50) and the FD102 TÒ-KALÒN (Vol. 53). Horizon collaborated this year with Rover to unveil the Cor D. Rover Signature Series – FD Series yachts that feature his talents in both the interior and exterior design. “Horizon already o ers an exceptional design package and personalized service through the professional teams at its in-house

THESE PAGES

The intimate yet fashionable interior décor was based upon a personalized and chic European boutique style.

LEFT

The dining chandelier is hand made by Dutch designers Brand van Egmond and is a real showpiece.

design centers,” says Rover, “but Horizon CEO John Lu understands the diverse styles of the Horizon client so we decided to showcase the extent to which these yachts can have a high-end, luxurious, European-styled interior.” e latest of these limited-edition designs is showcased in the newest FD87 Skyline, which was purposefully designed with a European-styled interior and sold immediately upon her arrival in the Australian market. “John got together with the team from Australia and then they asked me to create an interior that had more of a European/Italian style,” says Rover. is new FD87 Skyline features a ve-stateroom layout with an on-deck master with a full-beam his-and-her ensuite, crew quarters for three and a beach garage and Hi/Lo swim platform. A predominance of satin walnut maintains a classy, modern feel throughout, while a walnut sole perfectly complements the satin white oak accents and Carrara marble surfaces in the main salon. Here, a handmade designer chandelier serves as a focal point for the space and augments the yacht’s 23’ 3” beam. A dayhead is positioned aft to accommodate the main deck’s interior and exterior areas and a dining table with a stone top seats ten for formal dining.

Four en suite guest staterooms are situated on the lower deck, and include mirrored queen-size VIPs amidships, a convertible twin to port and a fourth queen-size VIP in the bow. Furthest aft, the spacious beach garage o ers a huge storage cupboard and massive fridge-freezer storage for long-haul cruising. is build features a semi-enclosed skylounge with a newly designed micro bridge, so as to accommodate a larger exterior boat deck with an indoor/outdoor entertaining area and tender storage aft. e lightweight hardtop doubles as a touch-and-go helipad and includes a hydraulic telescopic radar arch to allow the yacht to successfully navigate Australia’s many xed bridges. e al fresco space is protected by sliding glass enclosures to either side and is tted with a U-shaped dinette, a large bar area with stools and a BBQ grill. On the foredeck, a large U-shaped settee faces a heated Jacuzzi and the large sunpads. is area can also be shaded with awnings and o ers refrigeration for added convenience.

BELOW

With a telescoping radar arch, the lightweight hardtop also doubles as a touch-and-go helipad.

©JACKSON KILPATRICK

heated jacuzzi tub

Inspired Features

semi-enclosed flybridge with bar

touch-and-go helipad & telescoping mast

BRIDGE DECK

MASTER STATEROOM

PORT VIP

“ e aim of this design was to not only appeal to the speci cities of the Australian owner, but to impart a little extra luxurious feel that makes the boat look more rich,” says Rover. “We executed this through the use of contrasting woods and high-gloss polished stainless steel accents to create a Modernist feel with a subtle hint of Art Deco. I think she turned out very nice.” e latest FD87 Skyline is powered by twin CAT C32A diesels of 1,600hp each and tted with ZeroSpeed stabilization. Her unique features and exquisite design were so compelling that she was sold in record time, just days after her arrival in Sanctuary Cove. For more information on any of the FD models, please contact Horizon Yacht Australia at +61 7 5577 9009 or email sales@horizonyachtaus.com.

Speci cations

LOA

90' (27.45m)

Beam

23' 3" (7.11m)

Series

Fast Displacement (FD)

InteriorDesign

Cor D. Rover

ExteriorStyling

Cor D. Rover

Engines

2 X CAT C32A 1,600hp