JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #73 - June 2012 - 44

country guest of honour: Malaysia

DK Composites, on land and sea

DK Composites leans on more than one pillar, so to speak. The company operates in two separate sectors, building domes and boats. In both sectors, its reputation has spread beyond the borders of Malaysia, where it has been operating since 1997.
Unique know-how on land…..
combination of fully integrated digital mock-up technology and precise NC-controlled milling of moulds. Led by designers with a wide experience in composite structures, yacht design and manufacturing, the team first runs CATIA to shape and simulate the components on the computer. They design complex free-form surfaces, convert design drawings, and develop solutions to problems. Once they are satisfied with form,

stablished in 1997 in Melaka, Malaysia, dK Composites (formerly known as dian Kreatif ) was originally set up to facilitate the construction of four major dome projects in the country. In 1999, based on its success in composite architectural structures, the company diversified its expertise to include the production of racing yachts. dK Composites and dK yachts were then created, with dK yachts serving as the boating arm of the company.

First one, then two businesses
Since then, dK has established itself as a major manufacturer of large, high-tech composite products. being closely associated with major engineering, architectural design and composite firms – the company is a german-Malaysian organization – the technical staff have considerable experience in the aircraft, automotive and environmental industries, and in the use of composites in architecture and building construction. dK also has extensive knowledge in the production of racing yachts and power boats. Furthermore, dK yachts is well-known in the sailing world as an excellent builder.

The dome manufacturing process begins with conceptual designs developed by the team of architects and design engineers. The team uses CATIA (Computer Aided Three-dimensional Interactive Application), a high-end 3d-CAd system, to generate 3d images for detailed design and structural analysis before proceeding to model and mould construction. The CAd-CAM approach to design and manufacture enables design data to be fed directly into the production equipment, increasing reliability and saving time. Composite cladding elements are produced from Computer Numeric Control (CNC) machined moulds. Millimetre accuracy for overall size tolerances is achieved in parts produced in this way, so the parts fit each other perfectly. The five-axis CNC milling machine can precisely generate complex 3-dimensional forms, making it possible to produce dome surfaces curved in two directions and complex architectural elements.

Conceptual designs

…and sea
building a yacht does not merely involve the transfer of boat designs received from naval architects and structural engineers to the shop floor. dK yachts also offers the exclusive opportunity to utilize a unique

The first composite dome manufactured and built by DK in Malaysia, in 1998, was for the Prime Minister’s residence in Putrajaya. This project consists of a singular onion-shaped dome 10m in diameter. Subsequently, DK was asked to build the domes for the Prime Minister’s office in the country’s new administrative capital. The main dome, nearly 26m, is surrounded by four smaller 8m domes.

More information

44 jec composites magazine / No73 June 2012

JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #73 - June 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #73 - June 2012