The Composite Fibreglass Advantage | FormaShape

Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP)


The Composite Fiberglass Advantage


Demonstrating the rising interest in fibre-reinforced plastice (FRP), the North American annual usage growth rate from2003 and 2004 was 11.3%. This interest, across numerous idustries, is attributed to the unique characteristics and advantages of FRP, as follows:

Precise Tolerance
  • Fabrication by closed-mould Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) permits exact tolerance of complex shapes and forms.

  • Precise dimensional tolerance is a necessity for products across numerous industries, such as electronic equipment panels and enclosures.
Superior Strength-to-Weight Ratio
  • Higher strength-to-weight ratio as compared to other materials, such as concrete, metals, and thermoplastics.
  • Light-weight components are easier to install, requiring less equipment, time, and manpower costs.
Cost Effective
  • Low initial start-up costs.
  • Low production costs.
Design Flexibility
  • Complex shapes inclusive of compound curves.
Advanced Finishes
  • Any finish, including urethane paints (metals, opaque, iridescent; single or multi-color parts), gelcoats, translucent, pigmented urethane elastomers, in-part prints.
Textured Surfaces
  • Any texture, including smooth, dimpled, ribbed, simulated concrete/wood, and non-slip.
  • Low production costs.
Electrically Non-conductive
  • High dielectric strength.
  • Excellent material for sensitive electrical equipment.
Durable
  • Robust maintenance-free surface; dent-free.
  • Resins with UV inhibitor./li>
  • Minimum 10-year urethane UV color-fading paint warranty; Class A finish.
Corrosion Resistant
  • Non-porous surface; water-proof.
High Heat Distortion Temperature
  • 150° to 215° F / 70° to 100° C, special resins can increase Heat Distortion Temperature range.
  • Resins with UV inhibitor./li>
  • Minimum 10-year urethane UV color-fading paint warranty; Class A finish.
Fire, Smoke & Toxicity Rating
  • Compliance to relevant ASTM, EPA, NFS, UL, and other standards by using specific resins and additives.
Environmentally Friendly
  • Closed-mould fabrication lessens styrene emissions.
Resin Transfer Moulding or RTM
  • Offers unparalleled control of shapes, forms, and, more importantly, dimension. The sample shown on the right is 3mm throughout the entire body of the part.
  • This precise tolerance, combined with the ability to mould complex shapes, makes FRP/fiberglass an outstanding choice of material.
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