Design Z has been providing a unique experience in the manufacture of riggings and masts for racing and cruising crafrt for over thirty two years. Our factory in La Rochelle Has produced more than 130,000 masts! During this period we have accumulated a huge database that allows us to develop reliable, efficient and sustainable products of the highest quality. All profile moulds used for extrusion of our products are our exclusive property. We regularly renew our profile line to meet our customers' expectations and developments in the shipbuilding industry. In 32 years, to monitor and anticipate market changes and rigging geometries, we have renewed our: - mast sections four times - boom sections 3 times - full batten rail runners twice - furling mast sections twice All parts attachable to our products have been designed by our research department (currently consisting of four engineers), with full mastery of their charactereeftics and resistance under load. Z components are regularly replaced or improved according to development in manufacturing techniques, user feedback and market demands. To do this we work closely with naval architects and consultants from around the world. The design of Z parts is accomplished using INVENTOR 3D CAD software coupled to the ANSYS finite element analysis program. These tools allow us to optimize strength and weight of parts and ensure that assemblies are homogeneous. From the beginning we have developed a complete range of products (mast, boom, static and running rigging, furling genoa, rigid boom vang, rail and trolleys for full batten mainsail, pulleys, etc.). This ensures full compatibility between the various components of your rigging. Our effort is ongoing in development of new products for sailing experts, to optimise the marriage between rig and sails, and prevent wear or breakage of the connecting parts. Studies When making a quotation for your rig, we study not only the resistance of the products offered, but also their functionality in their environment. We eliminate interference between elements to guarantee the best product at the lowest cost. The first stage of a study is the design (calculation of inertia, breaking load of the rigging). Z has developed several computer programs over the years for a highly reliable and comprehensive analysis of workloads and failure points of the components of your rigging. These studies are carried out with maximum loads applied to the rig (using the maximum righting moment which sizes the force applied to the center of pressure sailing the boat to capsize) for all different use types (running, coastal cruising, offshore cruising) The weight of the rig but also the overall stability are then optimized to improve the performance of your boat. This is followed by the generation of visualization of the rigging plans and implementation of a plan to manufacture a prototype. These documents are then archived with your file. When confirming your order then we will use this information to validate the preliminary study and produce with you the final manufacturing drawings. These plans and a list of all parts of your rig (BM) are archived on our system. Z can be relied on to find fittings and rigging to your specific requirements at any time in the future and supply spare parts and replacements throughout the life of your boat. Thanks to this archive we can also easily supply re-rigging (recommended every 10 years) or provide spare parts for maintenance. At the request of your naval architect and a project unit, we can supply the weight and center of gravity of the rigging, the workloads of the various cables, compression of the root of the rigging and other data. Armed with these values your architect will be able to confirm and optimize the righting moment of your boat. In the case of production of mast sites, we provide 3-dimensional plans of the mast, the boom and the root to check the environment around the design of the rig and integrate our product and to view the final boat. Stages of a rigging study. - Quote for the rig and sampling 1) Calculation of inertia minimum necessary for the proper maintenance of the mast (specialised software). 2) Calculation of diameters required for static rigging (specialised software). 3) Check the rigging angles (specific software). 4) Calculation of inertia minimum necessary for correct boom balance (specific software). 5) Creation of a pre-production drawing. 6) Check the position of the rigging on your boat (deck plan required). - Order 1) Verification of previous calculations with the latest information received. 2) Completion of final Mast plan (specialised software), sent to the client for acceptance. 3) Create the classification (detailed list of equipment) for the plan (specific software) 4) Check the compatibility of the mast and the boom to the deck plan. 5) Verify the adequacy of the rigging with the mast. 6) When ordering a Z genoa furler we check the compatibility of the genoa furler and rigging. 7) Send the client information for fabrication of mainsail and furling genoa if required. - Archiving Our production plans are archived on paper and electronically with boat name, creation date and number of the nomenclature. |
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