JEC Group Composites News· JEC Group·· 5d agoFeaturedPulse Score78
Brittany Composite Workshops Scale Autoclaved Carbon Masts and Foils for Cargo Ships
Route du Rhum: the Breton carbon workshops now rigging tomorrow’s cargo ships
Executive Overview
The SolidSail Mast Factory (SMAF) in Lanester, inaugurated on 12 February 2026, has begun series production of 65–70 metre carbon masts for cargo ships, with draping now 90% robotised from 95% manual in the prototype.
Manufacturing & Process Note
The shift to robotised draping and towpreg placement reduces manual layup variability, but prepreg tack and out-life still govern scrap rates and autoclave cycle reliability; thermoplastic LMPAEK foils require higher processing temperatures and dedicated tooling, which will affect line changeover and energy cost.
Conveyor Composite Laser Cutting SystemSource: JEC Group Composites News · jeccomposites.com