The manufacturing principles

The continual processing of multi-filament, high module textile fibres, represents the technologically most advanced solution worldwide for the production of textile fibre cables. The manufacturing principle underlying Softrig's cables -which is called "sling"- is based on the continual winding of the fibre between two fixed points placed at the distance one wishes. This special formation, aptly controlled by sophisticated machinery, allows you to attain the highest elongation modules, and exceptional breakage loads. The internal fibre, which is apt to guarantee the unique performance of the cables, is protected by three layers, each having a different composition and density. The innermost layer isolates the cables, preventing either humidity, water, salt or other external agents from penetrating therein. The second layer protects the fibre from its exposition to ultraviolet rays. The outermost layer is composed of a plaited covering - to be chosen amongst Dyneema®, aramidic fibres and polyester HT (according to what it is going to be used for) -, which protects the cable from whatever mechanical action. During the projecting stages of the textile rigging, the elongation datum of Nitronic 50 is kept as the reference point. Given the stretching features of the PBO fibre, up to 80% reductions in the overall weight of the sailing equipment can be attained, with an approx. 55% increase in the cable load breakage; this leads to a slight increase in cable diameter, but also to an important increase in security factors. For the project designer of a yacht, the important rigging lightness gain implies the possibility of improving the pricking-up moment; as a result, weight on the keel can be reduced -with relative diminution in the boat's overall displacement-, or the surface of the sails can be extended, thus increasing the power of the yacht. Moreover, given the difference in vertical distance of the centres of gravity of the rigging and of the ballast, the weight reduction ratio is about 1:6, namely, every 10 kg saved on rigging implies a 60 kg saving of on the weight of the ballast; such lightening moreover, brings about a higher concentration of the weights, with a remarkable diminution in both pitching and rolling.