| Rigs on sailing boats are demanding applications. The rig is exposed to very high-loads when the wind is filling the sails and the boat is forced through rough water. The rig keeps the mast upright even under stormy conditions. Strength, rigidity and absolute reliability are unconditional demands to the rig and the materials being used. A new stainless steel grade, specially developed for use on mast rigging on ocean going and high-performance yachts, has been launched by Sandvik Material Technology, Sweden. The company has developed Sandvik Sanrig 80, a fully austenitic stainless alloy designed to give the highest possible fatigue and tensile properties combined with corrosion resistance in sea water. It fulfils the high demands for high-strength and rigidity combined with good ductility, toughness and corrosion resistance.
Sandvik Sanrig 80 rig rod is currently available in a size range from 3.0 up to 17.9mm �. It has a tensile strength of between 1,400 and 1,500MPa, depending on size and a breaking strength from 2,324kg at the smallest size up to 35,895kg at 17.9mm �. It is produced in the form of cold drawn, degreased and polished wire and is supplied in straightened lengths or in coils. Any material subjected to load cycles, which individually do not exceed the breaking strength of the material, can be affected by metal fatigue. The high-tensile strength of Sandvik Sanrig 80 increases its fatigue strength and reduces the risk of fatigue failure. Sandvik Sanrig 80 rig rod is also used within the Building and Construction Industry where the good mechanical properties allow architects to design light and fine constructions.
Ocean going and high-performance yachts such as the type pictured from X-yachts A/S in Denmark are the target market for Sandvik Steel�s new Sanrig 80 rig rod |
