CAD Program

Wing Inflatables Inc. has a “Secret Weapon”.

We have a unique, and proprietary, software program that creates the patterns cut on our computer controlled cutting table.

Our Designers input the basic parameters of a tube and the program creates a CAD model of the tube. The Designers then refine this digital tube to precisely fit the customer’s hull. The “Secret” part of the software, designed by Jim Havstad, is a sophisticated mathematical model of our tube design that compensates for fabric stretch under pressure.

This software makes the complex calculations that turn the digital model into fabric patterns that are then heat welded together to form the tube. The amount the tube stretches when inflated varies depending on air pressure and the orientation of the fabric fibers. Jim’s program optimizes the orientation of the patterns and compensates for stretch due to air pressure.

The result is a tube that fits the hull more precisely yet is created in less time than conventional “cut and try” methods. Duplicate tube production is very consistent because the design is saved as a computer file to 1/1,000 inch accuracy.
Wing Inflatables, Inc. can even work with hull designers on prototype projects without needing a physical hull! (At least for the initial phases.)

Cutting

Once the design is approved and completed it goes to the plotter-cutter machine to be automatically cut out, marked, and scribed. We cut only one layer of fabric at a time. The single layer cutting makes every piece visible for inspection as it is being cut.

Welding

Polyurethane has the critical advantage of being able to be thermo-welded. A thermo-welded seam, as opposed to a glued seam, results in far tougher tubes. Wing seams are overlapped then thermo-welded for maximum strength. Thermo-welding fuses the over-lapped layers into one solid piece. Our seams do not fail.

The rotary welders are used to put pattern pieces together that make up the air holding tube or foam sheath. Once the tube has been closed and sealed it goes through rigorous US Coast Guard certified, air-holding tests.

Finishing

Once a sponson has been approved for air-holding, it moves to the finishing department. It is in finishing that the high density, low migration PVC rub strake or rub rail is installed. The critical placement of the attachments that marry the tube to the hull are precisely located and bonded in place. Top and bottom chafe are installed and any other accessories such as bow lights, custom logos and life-lines are added.
Upon approval from Final QA the tubes are ready for packaging and shipping from our plant in Arcata, CA.