GRP Composites
Composites are materials engineered from two or more components with significantly different physical or chemical properties, Specifically Fibreglass broadly known as Glass reinforced plastic composite are a reinforcing fibre in a polymer matrix, most commonly; the reinforcing fibre is fibreglass, although high strength fibres such as aramid and carbon are used in more advanced applications. Specialized resins such as vanylyster, phenolic, polyurethane can also be used.
Fibreglass is an amazingly versatile and adaptable material, and it’s these unique properties make it suitable for a wide range of product applications. Fibreglass can also offer advantages that are not found in other more conventional constructional materials!
The key advantages include…
Design Freedom:
High degrees of flexibility and the practical uses of Fibreglass are virtually endless, limited only by your imagination.
Fibreglass opened up many new avenues for creative designers, its unique physical properties allow it to be easily moulded and manufactured to meet almost any specification, because the four key advanctages such as few constraints on size, shape, colour or finish.
This great composite medium can deliver great styling and appearance whilst being cost effective, and design freedom which is the hallmark of composite achievement, whilst remaining the favored material choice of most architects and designers.
Affordability
This design freedom and the easiness to mould Fibreglass make it an economical alternative for the manufacture of any component or finished products in any size or quantity, and as the colour is applied in-mould there is no need to paint.
One time investment and life long economy
Moulded components provide great cost savings over fabrication parts when quantities are sufficient and high in number or complex design dictate the need.
Versatility
The lightweight strength of Fibreglass has always made it a popular choice for designers and manufacturers alike, Fibreglass offers distinct advantages for a wide range of products, its reduced weight and minimal maintenance requirements make it attractive on architectural projects, and more industries are discovering the benefits of its versatility.
Appearance
Fibreglass components are gel-coated in their moulds with a choice of flat, semi-gloss or high gloss colour eliminating the need for painting. In highly corrosive environments gel-coats are much more durable than most paints. Fibreglass products can be manufactured in numerous finishes, textures, and colours, so various surface appearances can also be achieved in the mould, but if the required colour can not be achieved in the mould then the component can be spray painted from a huge choice of standard, metallic or pan-tone colour’s.
Durability
The performance and durability of Fibreglass structures provide an exceedingly long life span, coupled with low maintenance requirements, no color change no wear out.
Limitations
There are virtually no limitations to what can be achieved with fibreglass, the only limitation is you’re imagination, Fibreglass is truly an adaptable and versatile material with a massive scope to be moulded into virtually any shape or breathtaking structures.
Moulded Look
With sheet steel or wood, you get a plain component; Fibreglass components have a sleek contour and a superior moulded appearance complete with required colour.
Fixings and Peripheral Components
During the moulding process big head fastenings and threaded inserts can be located and bonded in, this allows for peripherals like gas struts, hinges, locks, control panels, and other sub-mouldings and components to be fixed precisely and quickly reducing assembly time and cost.
Corrosion – Environmentally Tough
Fibreglass is non-corrosive and has a much longer life expectancy when compared to a variety of other construction materials, in highly corrosive environments; Fibreglass is the perfect choice over metal, wood, or plastic. A popular choice where exposure to harsh environments is a concern, fibreglass can provide resistance to ultra violet light, extreme temperatures, salt air, and a variety of chemicals, because Fibreglass is chemically inert and corrosion-resistant it offers an economical alternative to stainless steel.
Low Maintenance
Fibreglass components require very little or no maintenance as they do not rust, rot, or fall to pieces, so if you are tired of costly maintenance associated with repairing or replacing expensive components you now have the answer – FIBER GLASS.