GRP mouldings and Fibreglass

Glass Reinforced Plastic –

also known as ‘Fibreglass’ Composites,

Composites are broadly known as reinforced plastics. Specifically, composites 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 advanced applications, the polymer matrix is a thermoset resin, with polyester, vinylester, and epoxy resins most often the matrix of choice. Specialized resins such as, phenolic, polyurethane can also be used. 

The unique properties of Fibreglass make it suitable for a wide range of product applications, and also offer advantages that are not found in more conventional constructional materials!

These 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 tooled, moulded and manufactured to meet almost any specification, because there are few constraints on size, shape, colour or finish, this can deliver great styling and appearance whilst being cost effective, and its this design freedom which is the hallmark of composite achievement.

Affordability...

This design freedom and the easiness to mould make Fibreglass an economical alternative for the manufacture of any component or finished product in any quantity.

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 maintenance make it attractive on architectural projects, and more industries are discovering the benefits of its versatility, these industries include, construction, leisure marine, automotive, aerospace, transport, ministry of defence, and more !

Strength & durability...

High strength to weight ratio and high flexural strength make Fibreglass an attractive lightweight material, additional reinforcement can be added in specific locations to build in extra strength where load and stress points require it.   When used for external applications, Fibreglass can offer a high resistance to environmental extremes, so pound for pound Fibreglass components can provide a better performance over other construction materials!

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 be achieved in the mould.

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.

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.

Sound deadening....

Fibreglass provides superior acoustical properties when compared to plastic or metal, various types of sound deadening material can be laminated in between high strength layers of Fibreglass matt to achieve the preferred level of sound deadening. Fibreglass exhibits a great deal of dimensional stability and the least amount of expansion and / or contraction when compared to other material.

Durability...

Fibreglass structures have an exceedingly long life span, coupled with low maintenance requirements; the longevity of fibreglass is a benefit in critical applications, in a half-century of composite development, well designed fibreglass structures have yet to wear out.

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.

GRP (glass reinforced plastic) composite and its suitability for your project or product depends on specialised technical skills from minor gel coat work to major collision damage.

GRP repair and manufacture ranges from

Collision damage to Structural damage to Yachts, Speed boats, cruisers, commercial craft and more..

The production of hulls, decks, and associated grp mouldings.

The manufacture of custom GRP mouldings.