Aluminium

Marine aluminum: a demanding shipbuilding material

The boats Bord à Bord are manufactured from 5083 H111 marine aluminium, an alloy known for its excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance in marine environments.
The thicknesses of aluminum used vary from 4 to 20 mm, depending on operating conditions, expected mechanical stresses and the location of parts in the structure.

The thickness dimensions are defined by the naval architect during the design phase. This is based on... advanced structural calculations, created using software incorporating the finite element method (FEM), in order to validate the strength and durability of the hull and all the structures.

Precision cutting and material optimization

The aluminum sheets are cut by laser cutting machines or water jet for the thickest layers.
Laser cutting allows for a high dimensional accuracy, limits burrs and guarantees excellent quality of subsequent assemblies.

Un computer grid layout is systematically carried out using specialized software in order to optimize the nesting of parts and reduce material waste.
Aluminum scraps are recovered and recycled, as part of a responsible construction approach.

A recyclable and durable material

Aluminum is a material 100% recyclablewithout loss of its physicochemical and mechanical properties.
The alloys used by Bord à Bord contain on average approximately 70% recycled aluminumwhich makes it a particularly environmentally friendly material.

Conversely, polymer or composite materials (HDPE, carbon fibers, polyester) are Difficult or not recyclable at allor see their properties severely degraded after recycling.
The choice of aluminum is therefore part of a logic of long term sustainabilityboth structurally and environmentally.
it is possible to repairing an aluminum ship indefinitely which was damaged. None of our ships have been dismantled to date.

Certified aluminum welding and material traceability

The welders Bord à Bord are certified in aluminum welding and renew their licenses every two years, in accordance with current requirements.
Welding stations are calibrated annually in order to guarantee the quality and repeatability of the assemblies.

Suppliers of welding wire and gas also deliver material conformity certificatesensuring complete traceability of materials used in ship construction.

Safety and unsinkable design

Professional vessels Bord à Bord are designed to meet the applicable regulatory requirements to their category of operation.
Depending on the circumstances, they are returned unsinkable by foaming or by the implementation of watertight compartmentsensuring a high level of operational safety.

This design contributes to the reliability of the ships, even under intensive or degraded operating conditions.

Protection against electrolysis and quality control at sea

In order to provide lasting protection for aluminum hulls against the phenomena ofelectrolysis, Bord à Bord realise une Electrical expertise at sea at the end of each construction.
An independent expert is appointed to verify the absence of electrical leaks.

hull potential readings are carried out to ensure the proper functioning of the protective anodes.
thickness measurements These checks are completed to validate the protection provided by the epoxy primer and the antifouling paint.

Sea trials and final validation

Each ship is subject tosea ​​trials intended to validate:

• the performance of the engine(s),

• the proper functioning of all equipment,

• the overall behavior of the boat.

These tests are carried out empty and loaded, in order to check the vessel in different operating configurations and ensure its conformity before delivery.