TRILAM and its innovations
Our know-how is based on a set of details and attentions that are not all taken into account in other membrane manufacturing processes on the market, offering unrivaled longevity.
TPI Technology = Trilam® Prestressed
Isotropic
TPI: the latest development of the famous TRILam®
The TRILam range is truly unique on the sail membrane market, and the Sprint Offshore TPI range, which combines all our know-how, is particularly optimized and durable.
TPI technology makes it possible to obtain lighter, more resistant competition sails, adapted to the “high performance” specifications of the biggest offshore racing teams.
To obtain a nervous, light and reliable material, we work with very fine, pre-stressed wires, in a multitude of directions, designed by mechanical design software, similar to the manufacture of composites in the nautical or aeronautical industries.
These filaments, being continuous, offer optimum resistance; they transmit loads without deformation or risk of rupture or aging, unlike filament membranes of the 3Di or DFi type.
High-pressure compaction optimizes weight. For example, on a Class40 sail, we save 10% in weight compared to a classic Trilam®. It's the same for an IMOCA sail. In addition, we don't lose any robustness, because we continue to work with Black Technora® and Dyneema®, two fibers that combine responsiveness and resistance.
Fiber Optimization
Our R&D efforts are mainly focused on the materials themselves:
- by selecting fibers specific to each type of sail.
- by preparing these fibers into threads in our own spinning mill if necessary
- by combining them with sometimes very light woven textiles (for example Utex of less than 25gr/m²)
- by formulating our own impregnation resins, more or less flexible depending on the applications, for the greatest possible durability.
TRILAM is the result of this research:
• A TRILam membrane is a custom-made skin with a higher proportion of structural fibers to reinforce it. The higher ratio of fibers makes the TRILAM more efficient and more durable.
A TRILam membrane is reinforced by multidirectional laps of pre-stressed continuous fibers, whereas on filament membranes, these fibers are cut into discontinuous strips and laminated together.
• Mylar® films are replaced by very fine fibres reinforcing and protecting the whole, either in the form of very light gauze called Utex, or in the form of non-woven fabrics, or in the form of thicker taffeta.
• The structure is made according to the lines of effort emanating from the three securing points of the sail, but also on those located at the level of the reefs.
Stability and Durability
Thanks to the pre-stress applied during weaving and maintained throughout the manufacturing process (TPI Technology), the dimensional stability of TRILAM sails is exceptional, and the aerodynamic profile is truly superior.
After several years of use, the profile and triangulation of the sails vary little.
Users have actually noticed greater precision in settings and better stability of volumes over time. In addition, the reliability and absence of delamination, guaranteed by the TRILAM process, have allowed users to use these sails for longer.
THE ADVANTAGES
Sailboats of all sizes can benefit from the following advantages:
• Performance: better maintenance of original profiles under pressure
• Durability: better lamination thanks to external Utex plies
• Lightness: lighter membranes thanks to the economy of plastic films without gaining wet weight over time
• Versatility: wide range with multiple possible material combinations
• Aesthetics: colors, various finishes and customization possible
TRILam - CLM Patents and Licenses
Our expertise in membrane technology is reflected in the exclusive TRILam and CLM patents and licenses.
Brevet International : TOILES DE STRUCTURE STRATIFIÉES POUR VOILES D'ENGINS A PROPULSION VÉLIQUE
Filing: March 14, 2005
Depositor: Pascal Rossignol
French Patent: COMPOSITE MATERIALS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF SAILS AND SAILS MADE WITH THIS TYPE OF MATERIAL
Dépôt : 9 Avril 2004
Déposant : Pascal Rossignol
International Patent: DEVICE FOR PRODUCING CONTINUOUS PARALLEL FIBER MATERIALS AND PRODUCTION LINE INCORPORING SAME
Dépôt : 11 Décembre 2001
Déposant : Pascal Rossignol
Brevet Français : DISPOSITIF DE PRODUCTION DE MATÉRIAUX A FIBRES CONTINUES NON PARALLELES ET CHAÎNE DE FABRICATION ADOPTANT UN TEL DISPOSITIF
Dépôt : 12 Décembre 2000
Déposant : Pascal Rossignol
Brevet Français : MÉCANISME DE GUIDAGE D'UNE PIECE TEXTILE NON CONDITIONNÉE
Dépôt : 16 septembre 1994
Déposant : Pascal Rossignol
French Patent: METHOD FOR PRODUCING A SAIL FOR ANY DEVICE WITH LIFT AND/OR SAILING PROPULSION
Dépôt : 25 fevrier 1994
Déposant : Pascal Rossignol