EXTREME PRECISION FOR EXTREME CONDITIONS
Custom CNC Machining in Titanium for High-End Sailing
CRP Meccanica partnered with Perini Navi, global leader in luxury sailing yacht manufacturing, to produce high-performance mainsail batten cars components that transfer heavy loads from sail battens to the mast without compromising the structural integrity of the sail.
These parts had to resist mechanical loads exceeding 3 tons, function within tight dimensional tolerances, and maintain peak performance in saltwater environments. To meet these standards, CRP Meccanica engineered a solution using Ti6Al4V titanium alloy and advanced CNC machining techniques.
THE TECHNICAL HEART OF THE PROJECT
At the core of this project lies a deep integration between advanced materials and high-precision CNC machining. To meet Perini Navi’s demanding requirements, CRP Meccanica selected Ti6Al4V titanium alloy – a material engineered for maximum performance under stress and in corrosive marine environments.
Material Selection
Ti6Al4V, a titanium alloy known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, was the only viable choice.
With a tensile strength approaching 900 MPa, it guarantees the structural integrity required to resist compression forces up to 3 tons. At the same time, its corrosion resistance ensures lasting performance even in constant exposure to seawater. Compared to aluminum, titanium offers twice the wear resistance, ensuring long-term durability and performance.
Machining Strategy
To manufacture the batten cars, CRP Meccanica employed its 5-axis CNC milling centers, supported by EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) and specially selected long-reach tools. These technologies enabled precise machining of complex geometries, particularly the tight internal radii demanded by the component’s design. The combination of tool strategy and material know-how made it possible to achieve tight tolerances and perfect symmetry across all parts, ensuring optimal load distribution and alignment during sailing.
Functional Design Integration
Each car was engineered not only to resist mechanical stress but also to preserve the structural integrity of the sailcloth. During navigation, battens are subjected to increasing compression as the wind strengthens. The custom batten cars act as load transfer components, absorbing the strain from the battens and rerouting it away from the sail.
This eliminates local stress points that typically cause tearing and premature wear. To further optimize performance, the components were fitted with integrated plastic inserts designed for smooth and frictionless sliding inside the mast track.
Performance Outcome
The final result is a set of fully optimized mechanical components: light, strong, dimensionally stable, and ready to perform in high-stress marine environments.
The project stands as a reference case in how precision machining and material science can come together to solve specific, high-stakes engineering challenges.
When failure is not an option, choose expertise
CRP Meccanica is not just a supplier.
We are your precision partner for mission-critical components.
Our decades of experience in motorsport, aerospace, defense, and naval sectors allow us to deliver performance where others cannot.
We engineer durability, functionality, and trust—backed by proven technical know-how and relentless precision.