Gdje se performanse mjere u tisućinkama, suradnja s tvrtkom Vertem d.o.o, and their representative (Hrvoje Benussi), represents the very foundation of our success. As one of the leading regional distributors, Vertem provides us with premium materials that are industry standards in automotive and especially in the maritime sector. Their assortment covers absolutely everything we need: from renowned Polycor gellcoat that provide a perfect finish to our molds, to a wide range of resins for both hand lamination and vacuum infusion. Thanks to their understanding of student projects, we have access to high-quality fiberglass and unidirectional carbon fiber. Beyond basic materials, Vertem also supplies the complete system for vacuum infusion – including peel ply fabrics, vacuum bags, tacky tape, resin infusion hoses, and connectors.
Manufacturing of fiberglass molds
The manufacturing process of our fiberglass molds begins with the precise preparation of 3D-printed or XPS positive models, to which high-quality Polycor tooling gelcoats are applied to achieve a flawless surface. This surface quality directly dictates the finish of the final composite part. Once the gelcoat reaches the appropriate level of tackiness, we begin laying down layers of fiberglass using vinyl-ester resins specifically designed for fiberglass parts. The initial layers usually consist of lighter woven fabrics to prevent the fiber pattern from "telegraphing" through to the surface, while subsequent layers of thicker glass mat are used to achieve structural thickness and robustness. Throughout the entire lamination process, we ensure that the layers are compact and free of air bubbles. The result is an exceptionally strong and stable mold capable of withstanding numerous production cycles without deformation, allowing us to manufacture components for our race cars with high repeatability whenever necessary.
The support provided by Vertem goes far beyond a simple supply of materials; they are partners who enable our designs to transition from paper blueprints to real, functional parts on the track. The ability to source everything in one place—from base resins and fibers to the last meter of vacuum hose or specialized sealing tapes—drastically simplifies our logistics and elevates the quality of our craftsmanship. This synergy between industry and the academic community is crucial for the development of future engineers. Working with professional tools and materials from Vertem gives us invaluable experience that we will carry into our professional careers. Their long-standing support in materials and equipment literally holds our teams together and pushes us toward new innovations. A huge thank you from the entire team!
