The Thin Ply Technology story

It has taken nine years of development and refinement to bring Thin Ply Technology to rigid structure applications.

2001

Gérard Gautier and invented the Thin Ply Technology concept for sailmaking.

2003

The process and manufacturing machinery was developed and the first prototype sails built.

2005

Alinghi purchased the rights for sailmaking applications to develop the "Black Sails" for the 2007 America's Cup campaign (shown at right). Twenty-four sails were made and tested showing a significant advantage in superior stability of shape for an equivalent weight.

2007

North Sails exercised an option to purchase Alinghi's "Black Sail" technology after the 2007 America’s Cup in order to commercialize it in the sailmaking business. North Sails branded it 3Di™.

2009

The 3Di thin tape process had been refined and was ready for sale to clients. North Marine Group created North TPT, LLC in partnership with Swiss inventors in order to develop and promote Thin Ply Technology for all rigid laminate applications utilizing the North TPT concept.

2010

New applications for TPT® are developed with advanced technology minded companies in various industries, such as the sporting goods market. Ultra thin tapes are engineered for Burton, the world’s premiere snowboard company, to develop a flyweight core. Another innovative TPT application is developed for Movement Skis which allowed them to reach an envied competitive edge in building some of the lightest and most technologically advanced touring skis ever produced.

In the meantime, Southern Spars starts to test the Thin Ply Technology for the manufacturing of their carbon mast for racing boat of TP52 class.
 

2011

Following the successes in applying Thin Ply Technology to rigid structures, demand increases incrementally. TPT enters the Aerospace and Automobile markets. North TPT and Solar Impulse collaborate in a project where TPT engineered ultra thin multi orientation carbon fiber complexes which were integrated and offered extremely valuable weight reduction for
the second solar powered aircraft which composite components are built by Decision SA. The North TPT team is now fully involved in the ongoing manufacturing processes of this revolutionary aircraft.

North TPT collaborates with Formula 1's most competitive teams, in applying complexes of lightweight TPT® structures giving the team unprecedented appearance enhancement for the construction of their F1 racing cars.
For more information on North Sails and 3Di technology, visit www.northsails.com.