Functional Capabilities

Research & Developmental Support

LBI has thirty plus years of experience in hydrodynamic marine structures, advanced composites, complex mechanism design, plastics, and development of innovative ideas. Typical associated tasks include; requirement analysis, cost/cost-performance, trade-off, feasibility, and conceptual designs

Engineering Support: Design and Specification
LBI employs and maintains all the equipment and staff required to engineer composite structures utilized in the marine industry. The staff and equipment include Mechanical Engineer(s), Material Specialist's), computer modeling in Solidworks, Cosmos Finite Element Analysis, CNC programming. Typical associated tasks include; design studies, structural analysis, materials, detailed specification, development test plans, configuration management, and document control.

Modeling
LBI has the capability to generate computer models (3D-solids) to be used for analysis and CNC programs, or produce rapid prototype components (SLS, SLA). LBI can design and build scaleable models for life cycle testing through the use of techniques such as composite lay-up, cast syntactic foam, CNC machining, and hand shaped in-house model builder. The ability to transfer complex three-dimensional shapes into workable computer models through the use of digital touch probe technology. LBI has a 900 gal salt water testing tank, a 40" dia. X 21' long hydrostatic testing tank, and a large capacity oven for in-house simulation testing.

Prototype Development and First Article of Production
The origination of complex three-dimensional wood or foam patterns through the use of our 5-axis CNC machine (Thermwood router), the ability to fabricate molds in aluminum and/or composite materials for the production of either finished goods or specific customer tooling requirements. The production of a working prototype utilizing techniques such as contact molding, vacuum bag molding, vacuum compression molding, vacuum form molds, and vacuum infused molding. LBI provides and maintains all equipment required to machine, fabricate and inventory master patterns and tooling essentials for prototyping first articles of production and production manufacturing.

Quality and Inspection
LBI currently employs a quality control department for servicing our customer needs. The QC department is responsible for managing the in-process inspection, set-up, and executing functional testing, as well as final quality inspection. Typical associated tasks include; drawing and documentation control, engineering changes, material control, nonconforming material control, manufacturing processes, component inspection, measuring and testing equipment, corrective actions, and audits.

Supply & Provisioning
LBI employs skilled labor for the manufacturing and production of composite structures utilizing techniques such as contact molding, vacuum bag molding, vacuum compression molding, vacuum form molds, and vacuum infused molding. Typical associated tasks included; purchasing, inventory control, pattern and tooling, fabrication of composite structures, assembly, shipping and receiving. LBI operates an on-site wholesale business that specializes in the materials and hardware for the marine repair and overhaul industry. LBI maintains a stock of fiberglass, vinylester, bonding compound and epoxy resins, associated applicators and tools, along with proprietary products.