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Robotic
arm removing a touring hull
from the Blowmolding machine
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The
Material |
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High-Performance
Thermoplast
Prijon boats are constructed with high performance
thermoplastic, or HTP, also known as ultra-high molecular weight
polyethylene. An HTP molecule is about 10 times longer, with 30%
higher E module (longitudinal stiffness), and 25% higher
torsional stiffness than rotationally molded polyethylene. This
same material is used for other products such as cutting boards,
racing skis, and in industrial applications where strength and
durability are critical. The length of the HTP molecule,
combined with the pressure of our extrusion and blowmolding
process, produces very dense plastic with long and tenacious
bonds between individual molecules. As a result, Prijon kayaks
are the strongest, most rigid and most durable in the world.
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The Process |
Extrusion Blowmolding
Prijon’s world-renowned extrusion blowmolding manufacturing
process is unique in the realm of paddle sports. Constructed of
high performance thermoplastic (HTP), the resulting boats are
the strongest, most rigid and durable in the world. How long
Prijon boats will actually last is a question yet to be
answered. The first Taifun we manufactured back in 1983 is still
afloat and being paddled with pleasure by its owner. The
equipment used for this process is massive and complex. The
extrusion blowmolding machinery is over 40 feet tall and weighs
350 tons. The individual kayak molds used in the blowmolders are
each a work of art, being individually machined from 5-ton
blocks of aluminum and fitted with water cooling, vacuum,
hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
The actual extrusion and blowmolding processes are controlled by
computer. A customized program specifies temperature, material
flow rate and hydraulic as well as air pressure characteristics
of a given extrusion and molding according to the unique
requirements of each kayak design. The HTP material emerges from
the extruder 20 feet above the floor as a tube of taffy-like
plastic roughly the diameter and length of the kayak being
molded. The mold halves are closed around the tube and a bang is
heard as air is blown into the mold at 145 psi. The air pressure
forces the tube of HTP to assume the shape of the inside of the
mold. After cooling the mold halves are split open and a new
Prijon kayak hull emerges, ready for trimming and final
outfitting.
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The HTP Advantages |
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Performance
Experience the performance of glass and the
durability of plastic, no substitute HTP. Prijon kayaks have
similar paddling characteristics to fiberglass and carbon kevlar
kayaks but with amazing durability and zero maintenance. You
will notice the same glide, carves and rigidity as that of
high-end glass boats at a fraction of the cost.
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Pillar-Free
Movement
Most kayaks use pillars that can inhibit your
safety and comfort. Prijon kayaks are engineered and built so
strong that pillars are not needed. When paddling Prijon kayaks,
the comfort and safety of the open cockpit are unmatched |
no pillar means lot's of
foot room |
Storage
Capacity
The internal capacity is significantly greater
in blowmolded HTP kayaks. Behind your seat, in the cockpit area
and in front of bulkhead footbraces, no pillars take up space.
You can efficiently pack gear to evenly distribute the weight
without hindering performance. |
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Repairability
HTP is repairable. Typically most paddlers
routinely maintain their HTP kayaks with repair sticks. Fix
scratches, nicks and other blemishes with HTP repair sticks and
a little heat. |
color-matched repair sticks |
Durability
HTP is superior in strength, rigidity and shape
memory. Ultraviolet stabilizers blended in HTP prevent
punishment the sun can reap on your kayak. Ask any Prijon
paddler how long they think their boat will last. |
Environmental
Commitment
We are committed to zero waste, reuse and
earth-friendly materials. If our stringent requirements are not
met in a particular boat, that hull will be reused in other boat
parts. HTP is groundwater neutral and non-toxic. |
5
Year Hull Warranty
At Prijon we are so confident in our standard,
HTP and the blowmolding process that we offer the best 5-year
warranty available today. Experience the difference we have to
offer. |
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