Engineered for Curvature, Fairing & Structural Efficiency
The unidirectional fibre layup within each DuFLEX® Strip Panel allows the cut strips to:
wist, fair and conform smoothly to tight convex or concave geometry
Reduce the number of temporary frames required, improving build efficiency
Contribute up to 50% of the total hull laminate, enhancing structural performance
Maintain stability during hull turnover due to increased plank stiffness
By positioning a significant proportion of reinforcement during the strip-planking stage, builders reduce secondary laminating time and achieve a more efficient overall laminate structure.
ATL Composites engineering support is available to confirm strip suitability, evaluate curvature requirements and advise on scantlings for structural compliance.
- Highly flexible for complex curvature
- Up to 50% of total laminate can be placed during planking
- Fewer frames required than traditional strip systems
- Z-Jointed full-length panels for efficient preparation
- Stiff, fair, dimensionally stable strips
- Ideal for hulls, topsides, sculpted forms and curved architectural surfaces
- Supported by ATL engineering and the optional Z-Press joining system
Applications Across Marine, Architectural & Industrial Sectors
DuFLEX® Strip Panels are ideal for fabricating compound surfaces such as:
Marine
Round-bilge and radius hulls
Flared topsides for sportfishing vessels
Sculpted superstructure elements
High-precision custom hull forms
Architectural & Industrial
Curved façade elements
Sculpted composite art or display structures
Complex moulded forms and freeform geometry
Any project requiring strips that bend, twist, fair and maintain laminate contribution will benefit from DuFLEX’s engineered strip-planking approach.
Build Method –
Strip, Shape, Laminate
DuFLEX® Strips are edge-glued over temporary frames using methods similar to traditional timber strip-planking, but with major advantages:
Pre-laminated composite strips eliminate hand-layup at the planking stage
The unidirectional fibre delivers structural contribution from the outset
Strips are fair, stable and resistant to warping
The completed shape is laminated externally once the hull or form is stripped
This approach cuts substantial build time while elevating accuracy and structural quality.
Customisation, Pre-Stripped Options & Engineering Support
ATL Composites can provide:
Pre-stripped panels manufactured to your specified widths
Engineering advice on strip curvature, stiffness and laminate schedules
Scantling recommendations tailored to hull shapes or architectural geometry
Integration with full DuFLEX® kits
Every Strip Panel can be engineered to align with project requirements for stiffness, strength, curvature and weight efficiency.
Engineered for Strength, Efficiency & Speed of Construction
DuFLEX® significantly reduces the labour, waste and technical complexity associated with traditional hand-laminated composite structures. By eliminating multiple laminating, coring and full vacuum-bagging steps, DuFLEX® panels enable:
- Faster build times with cleaner fabrication
- Reduced material waste and tooling cost
- Controlled, repeatable laminate quality
- Improved strength, impact tolerance and fatigue performance
Every DuFLEX® panel can be engineered to suit the project — laminate schedule, fibre orientation, resin system, and core density can all be tailored to meet precise structural requirements including:
- Weight reduction targets
- High impact and slamming loads
- Span-driven stiffness demands
- Shock, vibration, fatigue and mechanical resilience
Panels are supplied with peel ply for a contamination-free bonding surface to accelerate secondary bonding and laminating.
