Semi-rigid Products (Makrolon, Rainier Panels)
Super Clear Sewable
This
is a sewable semi-rigid product. We use it in our dodger
windshields. Being semi-rigid it provides an excellent windshield
appearance and function that is hard to achieve with the softer
products. It is excellent to look through for extended periods.
Being harder it is more difficult to scratch; however, it is so
clear each scratch is easily seen. Its drawback is short life. It
normally lasts 3 to 4 years. Therefore, once in the life of the
dodger the front panels need to be rebuilt. We believe the benefits
of this product outweigh its short life in certain situations.
Makrolon
This semi-rigid polycarbonate enclosure window offers
enhanced UV resistance, optically clear, same clarity as the
softer acrylic, scratch resistance, 30 times the impact
strength and is shatter proof.
And the biggest advantage: .060 thick! The normal retail
windows are .030 and have yellowing and cracking problems in
addition to scratching.
The price to upgrade to this new product is nominal, and the
customers we have told about it are excited.
Since this product is guaranteed for 7 years, we only
recommend it for new installations. This product is expected
to last twice as long as normal windows.
Bonded Panels (Rainier Panels)
We believe our customers are looking for clear window products with
a better level of visibility, more scratch resistance, longer life
and more glass like appearance. Normal polished vinyl and
Strataglass have reached their limit in each of these areas.
Therefore, to meet our customer’s demands, we offer another option.
The clear product used in the bonded panel will last the life of the
fabric. The sewable semi-rigid will only last about half the life of
the fabric. This means that the clear products thickness exceeded
the ability to sew it. The next option is to bond, with an adhesive,
the clear product to the fabric border. This bonding process is
controlled by various patents. We have formed an alliance with one
of the premier bonded panel producers:
Rainier Bonded Panels
.
We
produce the pattern as we would normally. We then lay out the fabric
to glass line and send the pattern to Rainier. They make the shape
of the clear window to our specification. They bond the fabric to
the clear product. They adhere more fabric then is needed. This
rough panel is called a “bleed”. This rough panel is shipped to Boat
Tailors where we cut it to final size and finish the panel to our
specifications.
We believe the best product currently for this application is the GE
Lexan MR-10. It does not crack, as many of the acrylic based
products the other manufacturer uses. This is tough and clear. As an
extra benefit GE Lexan blocks 98% of harmful UV rays.
