Known for high strength and lightweight versatility, composites like FRP (fiber reinforced plastics) excel in corrosion resistance and formability, making it ideal for diverse applications, from vehicle parts to public spaces.
Composites are materials formed by combining two or more elements, natural or artificial, which together are stronger than individually. These components retain their distinct identities while contributing beneficial traits to enhance the final product, often for increased strength, efficiency, or durability.
In our industry, composites, particularly Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites, consist of a polymer matrix reinforced with fibers like glass, carbon, or aramid. The matrix shields the fibers from damage and distributes load, while the fibers provide strength and stiffness to the matrix, helping resist cracks and fractures.
Typically, polyester resin serves as the matrix with glass fiber as the reinforcement. Various resin and fiber combinations are used, each lending unique properties: fibers offer strength and stiffness, while flexible resin shapes and protects them. FRP composites might also include fillers, additives, core materials, or surface finishes to enhance manufacturing, appearance, and performance.
Fiber Reinforced Plastics or Fiber Reinforced Polymer is a composite material created by combining a plastic resin with embedded glass fibers. This blend results in a material that combines exceptional strength with a lightweight profile, making it suitable for a broad spectrum of industries. From automotive parts to public space installations, FRP’s versatility shines through, offering a reliable and efficient solution for various design and functional requirements.
The advantages of FRP include excellent corrosion resistance, high mechanical strength, and good formability. These properties make FRP an ideal material for demanding applications where durability and resilience are required.
FRP is excellently suited for manufacturing a wide range of products, including vehicle components, machine parts, elements for public spaces, and specialized components that require a custom solution.
For more information get in touch with us and benefit from our many years of experience in the development and manufacture of fiberglass products!
Hand Lay-up Lamination
In the hand lay-up lamination process, resin and glass mats are manually layered into a structural shape. This method is particularly suited for one-offs or small series where one side of the component is hidden or appearance is not the main concern.
Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VA-RTM)
The VA-RTM process allows for the production of parts with smooth surfaces on both sides. It is especially suitable for producing larger quantities and offers excellent surface quality.
Spray-up Lamination
The spray-up method is ideal for products where exact material thickness is less critical. Spraying chopped glass fibers and resin creates an irregular fiber structure, enabling fast and efficient production.
The choice of method depends on the specific requirements of the product. Based on our experience, we suggest an appropriate method and create a prototype, allowing for a precise assessment of the necessary material layers.
Our company in Lamar, Colorado, is proud to offer custom FRP solutions that can be shipped nationwide. We warmly invite you to send us your inquiries. Our team looks forward to working with you to develop a solution that meets your requirements.
Numerous terms describe FRP composites, with modifiers indicating the specific fiber used: Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP), Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP), and Aramid Fiber Reinforced Polymer (AFRP). Commonly, these are also called Fiber Reinforced Plastics. Over time, various acronyms like Fiber Reinforced Composites (FRC), Glass Reinforced Plastics (GRP), and Polymer Matrix Composites (PMC) have emerged, often influenced by geography or market. Despite the different names, they all refer to FRP composites.