Polycarbonate Mechanical Shark

MAKROLON® polycarbonate sheet from Sheffield Plastics Inc. provided the toughness and flexibility to bend without breaking that Eddie Paul needed for the backbone of his mechanical 14 foot Great White Shark. Eddie Paul, CEO of E. P. Industries, El Segundo, CA, is building a manned, pneumatically powered replica that will swim with great whites so that their behavior can be studied. He needed an extremely strong, flexible backbone to allow the replica to propel itself and to withstand the several thousand pound bite of a real shark attack. The backbone consists of three layers of bonded MAKROLON polycarbonate sheet cut in the profile of the shark. Holes were drilled for attaching 2 inch diameter stainless steel ribs, allowing the replica to protect its occupant and still swim realistically. The lightweight MAKROLON also saved 300 pounds, versus other materials.

Stronger than acrylic and available in clear or colors and various thicknesses, MAKROLON polycarbonate sheet is easy to cut, shape, route, bend or fasten.

For more information, information, contact Cindy Kahlstrom, Sheffield Plastics Inc., 119 Salisbury Road, Sheffield, MA 01257, 800-254-1707, Fax: 800-457- 3553, Web: www. sheffieldplastics.com.