Coachbuilder to Use Only Plastics
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OUT of 84,000 sq, ft. of permanent buildings at the coachbuilding works of James Whitson and Co., Ltd.. at Yiewsley, Middx, 36,000 sq. ft. of floor space is now being used for the production of glass-fibre reinforced polyesterresin mouldings. Mr. A. E. Whittit, managing director, said last week that he would eventually employ plastics exclusively.
Experiments with the new material began in 1956. Existing buildings were altered to provide conditions suitable for moulding. Oil'-fired heating plants were installed in those shops selected for moulding to ensure the ideal temperature of 65-70° F. at all times. For fast. production of small mouldings, a hot room was built for oven curing at 120° F.
All moulds are made from plastics on wood, metal, or piaster formers. Moulding is by hand lay-up in Cellobond polyester resin supplied by British Resin Products, Ltd., and li-oz. Fibreglass mat.
Components now in production include colour-impregnated cabs, wings, roofs and floorsJor electric milk floats. The floor panels have steel bars moulded into them to give the necessary rigidity. Special hard-setting resin is used to give a durable surface.
A further contract on hand is for cabs for Scammells. At the moment these incorporate wooden framing to support separate plastics panels, but a one-piece moulded structure is envisaged.
Whitson's are working on a number of schemes to speed up production. It is thought that, despite the success claimed for apparatus now on the market which will spray chopped glass mat and resin ready mixed into the mould, it would not be satisfactory for •high-class structurally strong mouldings.
One project which is being investigated is the incorporation of electrical heating elements into the actual moulds to hasten curing. A way to mechanize the rather cumbersome process of hand rolling the glass mat and resin mixture is also being sought