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About Fiberglass Fabrication
Fiberglass fabrication and fiberglass fabricating is
the mixing of glass fibers with resins. Fiberglass is basically a woven
mat or cloth. The small fibers are invisible to the naked eye, yet harmful
if inhaled. The fibers harden into a very strong structure when saturated
with polyester resin. Fiberglass fabrication products are extremely durable
and corrosion resistant. Fiberglass fabricating is renowned for their
value, reliability and strength. The composition, shape and size of fiberglass
products can vary significantly.
The three main methods of fiberglass fabricating are open molding, closed
molding and centrifugal molding. In open molding fiberglass fabrication,
a layer of gel coat is applied and cured in a one-piece mold or structure.
After being layered into the mold, the fiberglass and sprayed resin are
allowed to cure. Open molding releases more emissions than the other
two processes. In closed molding, the initial gel coat is applied in
a two-part mold. Fibers in the form of chopped fibers or laminated sheets
are sprayed or placed in the female part of the mold on top of the gel
coat. The part cures after being sealed in the mold by a vacuum and having
catalyzed resin injected into the pressurized mold. In centrifugal molding,
the gel coat is applied to the sides of a spinning cylindrical mold.
Layer by layer, catalyzed resins saturated with short fibers are sprayed
into the mold until desired thickness is reached. Centrifugal molding
is used to form cylindrical products, such as pipes and tanks. In all
processes, the end products are then demolded and trimmed.
Pultruded fiberglass shapes have several advantages over comparable aluminum
extruded shapes. Pultruded fiberglass has superior resistance to a wide
variety of chemicals, while aluminum can cause galvanic corrosion. Fiberglass
shapes are about 70% of the weight of aluminum shapes with the same density.
Pultruded fiberglass is non-conductive with a high dielectric capability;
aluminum is a conductor. Fiberglass is a much better insulator than aluminum,
as it has much lower thermal conductivity. Pigment added to the resins
of fiberglass can provide color throughout the part, while aluminum requires
prefinishes, anodic coatings or paint. Fiberglass is transparent to radio
waves and EMI/RFI transmissions and is often used for radar and antennae
enclosures and supports; aluminum is highly reflective. Pultruded fiberglass
shapes can be easily fabricated in the field with common carpenter tools
and do not require torches or welding, like aluminum shapes do. Finally,
the glass mat in pultruded fiberglass shapes evenly distributes the load
of an impact, while aluminum easily deforms.
Since the introduction of fiberglass, it has been used as a reinforcing
agent for plastics, as insulation in buildings, homes, stoves, refrigerators,
furnaces, etc. Fiberglass is used in fabrication applications that demand
lightweight, high strength and scratch resistant performance. Many boat
hulls, go-kart bodies, large storage tanks and automobile parts are created
using fiberglass parts. Purchasing fiberglass fabrication requires a
list of determining factors. Knowing the ingredients in the fiberglass
itself is fairly important. Because so many different types of resins
and glasses are in use today, knowing the glass-to-resin ratio is also
helpful in finding the correct product. For the most part, a higher glass
concentration will result in greater strength as well as a more durable
product.
Featured
Articles
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http://composite.about.com/library/weekly/aa980630.htm?terms=fiberglass
Types of Fiberglass Fabrication
- are tanks or storage areas
fabricated of fiberglass. Food industries, chemical plants and water
treatment facilities use fiberglass enclosures.
- (http://www.floor-gratings.com)
is composed of a series of parallel and intersecting parallel lines
of
fiberglass.
- , including open, closed and centrifugal
molding, shapes fiberglass products using a hollowed form. The mold
from which
the fiberglass is created is usually a metal.
- are made of a mix of glass fibers and resins.
- are sheets made of a mix of fine filaments of glass and resins.
- are heavy-duty, durable, waterproof units
that are used to store such things as fishing tackle, pool equipment
and paint
and liquid products. Larger storage boxes may also double as seating.
- are fiberglass containers ranging in size that are
used to store gases, liquids and sometimes solids. Many food
plants and chemical
plants will make use of fiberglass tanks.
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