Some systems of cutting have been designed to remedy the phenomenon of twisting of the material. This twisting can have several origins, the most frequent is connected with the reliability and the precision of the cut, such as the problems connected with the alignment of the threads in the material.

          This inevitable distortion between the warp and the weft is considered in the fabrication of large boats when the rafts are cut in the length of the material. For these boats, it is recommended to use special cuts prepared by naval architects.

          The ORCA® material presents a slight weft/distortion, perfectly compatible with the exigencies of the profession.

          The cut can be done in the normal fashion, and be done on padding.

          It is not recommended to use different fabrications of material (referenced by the O.F. number) to create a boat. Slight differences of color could become apparent.

          It is also recommend to fabricate the buoyancies from the same roll of material.

          It is very useful to insure the traceability of the material, meaning to know which boats are from which rolls. The roll number is foreseen for this purpose. Without it the ORCA® 5 years contractual guarantee can not be applied.

          The method of gluing is normal and perfectly mastered by the professionals.

                    - Choice of glue : It is best to use a glue with a neoprene-rubber base with an isocyanate stainless hardener.

                    - The dosage of ingredients.

                    - The conditions of the gluing (temperature, hygrometry).

                    - The length of the viability of the glue.

                    - The amount to put on each layer.

                    - etc…

          The process is usually as follows :

          Each side of the material to be glued must be buffed before gluing.

          The overlap of the material is generally from 2 to 4 cm.
An inside tape is absolutely necessary to avoid air links of the seam.

          After cleaning or washing with a solvent, a double gluing on each side is done, respecting the instructions from the glue manufacturer. An excess of is as harmful as an insufficient amount of glue.

          After letting the glue become tacky, the two pieces are assembled together and pressed with tools which do not damage the material (rolled or workboned).

           The assembly is rapidly manipulable ; but generally, it is necessary to wait 48 to 72 hours so that the glue is sufficiently cured before inflation of the boat.

          Smudges of glues can be taken out by « blotting » with a piece of rubber or some equivalent.

          In certain cases, the assembly can be unglued with the help of a hot air generator (PFAFF or LEISTER). This type of manipulation can make the second gluing much more difficult.

          The gluing is considered complete when, in a control test by dynamometric traction, the resistance of the assembly is at least equal to that of the fabric at 20°C and 60°C. This is generally obtained with ORCA® fabrics and specialized glues.


ORCA® Glue
ORCA® Hardener RFE

          Other materials can be used as long as they can be glued to ORCA® fabrics, and if there is no risk of migration or deterioration of the fabric with which there is contact.

          Among these proscribed migrations, two cases are representative :

                    - to use accessories of Neoprene without guarantee of compatibility with clear rubbers. Upon contact, when the boat is folded, or by migration around the accessory. This is to be discussed with the supplier of the accessories.

                    - to use accessories of plasticized PVC, by which the contact between the plasticizer and the fabric could diffuse in the Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene (CSM) and could alter the aspects of the fabric.

          It is therefore necessary, in all cases, to verify the compatibility of the accessories with the fabric.

          The assembly of the accessories depends on their nature. When they are of Neoprene, the glue used for the fabric is general compatible. The process of gluing being the same as that of the fabric.

          Occasionally, a cleaning with a solvent of Methyl Ethyl Keton can be tried, on boats used daily for example, but it is relatively sensitive because it must be homogeneous and must respect the regulations (toxicology, environmental protection) in force.

          Finishing products, such as silicons or others, are not suggested.