Josh Clinton
Sustain Surboards
Wool light Merino Cloth:
https://barronsurfboards.co.nz/pages/woolight
Bloom Foam:
https://www.bloommaterials.com/
Shear Edge Wool Plastic:
https://www.shear-edge.com/
ReRez Epoxy:
http://connoracomposites.com/tds/CompMolding-ReRez_E2930_R2107_17.10.01.pdf
The design provides an alternative to current Surfboard manufacturing materials that are harmful to the environment and to the people who work with them. My Design is environmentally sustainable and provides the same level of performance. The Design and the way its manufactured can be easily integrated into Current production. The Manufacturing process has always been an important focus as I understand how costly changing the entire process can be. To maximize the accessibility of my design to both large and small manufacturers the way it is made is not too different to the current process, consisting of the same four steps. The only difference being the making of the internal core.
1. Design Board Shape on CAD Software
2. Internal Core production
3. Glassing top and bottom
4. Sanding and Finishing
My Project explored sustainability within the surfboard manufacturing process, I considered what aspects of the process posed the greatest Impact on sustainability. It became clear that the greatest threat was the materials used in today’s standard practices for making surfboards.
- The foam Blanks
- The synthetic Fiberglass Cloth
- The Resins used
I set out to design a future-focused solution in the form of a 3D Printed blank that would utilize sustainable materials to make a surfboard that would exhibit the same level of performance and better strength seen in today’s boards surfed by enthusiasts and professionals alike.
The design’s main feature is the 3D printed core, utilizing Shear edge Biobased PLA. It is complemented by materials specifically chosen for their cradle to cradle like properties.
- Barron Wool light Merino Cloth
- ReRez by Connora Tech. A Recyclable Epoxy
- Bloom EVA Foam, An Algae-based foam
The Design is not overly complicated. The biggest difference to the manufacturing process is the 3D printed core which could be outsourced, other than that the rest of the process can be done in the same factory as today’s standard boards are made in, From large volume manufacturers to your local Surfboard Makers.
