WHY GRP
Did you know GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) is also known as Fibreglass, GFRP (glass-fibre-reinforced plastic/polymer) and FRP (fibre-reinforced polymer)?
GRP 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, is 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. The polymer matrix is a thermoset resin, with polyester, vinylester, and epoxy resins most often the matrix of choice. Specialised resins, such as phenolic and polyurethane, can also be used.
GRP is an amazingly versatile and adaptable material, and it’s these unique properties which make it suitable for a wide range of product applications. GRP can also offer advantages that are not found in other 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 has opened many new avenues for creative designers because its unique physical properties allow it to be easily moulded and manufactured to meet almost any specification.
With few constraints on size, shape, colour, or finish, this versatile composite medium can deliver excellent styling and appearance while being cost-effective; this design freedom is the hallmark of composite achievement and remains the preferred material of choice for many designers and engineers.
AFFORDABILITY
The design freedom and ease of moulding fiberglass make it an economical alternative for any component or finished product, and since the colour is applied in-mould, painting is unnecessary.
LONG-RUN ECONOMY
Moulded components offer significant cost savings compared to fabricated parts, especially when large quantities are needed or when the designs are complex.
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 for many projects; more industries are discovering the benefits of its versatility. These industries include construction, leisure, marine, automotive, aerospace, transport, defence, and many more!
LIMITATIONS
There are virtually no limitations to what can be achieved with fibreglass; the only limitation is your imagination. Fibreglass is truly an adaptable and versatile material with a massive scope to be moulded into virtually any shape or breathtaking structure required, and all the time creative architects and designers push the envelope of design possibilities with mind-blowing shapes and concepts. New innovative manufacturing techniques will be developed to deliver their visions. (Probably at Hayward Grp).
APPEARANCE
Fiberglass 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, allowing various surface appearances to be achieved in the mould; however, if the desired colour cannot be obtained in the mould, the component can be spray painted using a wide selection of standard, metallic, or Pantone colours.
TRIMMING & DRILLING
Most fibreglass mouldings get green trimmed in the mould and receive a light sanding after being released. For more precise applications, the moulding can be marked using a jig and then trimmed with a diamond wheel to ensure a crisp, clean edge. Additional holes may also be required, and they are marked with a jig, or the mould has incorporated drill bushes to ensure the holes are always in the correct position.
CORROSION & ENVIRONMENTALLY TOUGH
Fibreglass is non-corrosive and has a much longer life expectancy when compared to various other construction materials in highly corrosive environments; fibreglass is the perfect choice over metal, wood, or plastic. Fiberglass is a popular choice where exposure to harsh environments is a concern. It can provide resistance to ultraviolet light, extreme temperatures, salt air, and various 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 mat to achieve the preferred level of sound deadening.
DURABILITY
The performance and durability of fibreglass structures provide an exceedingly long lifespan, coupled with low maintenance requirements; the longevity of fibreglass is a benefit in critical applications. In half a century of composite development, well-designed fiberglass 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: fibreglass.
WHAT WE OFFER
We undertake bespoke one-off commissions through too small or large volume production quantities, and due to our continual commitment to cost effective composite solutions and our open-minded approach regarding unusual or specialist applications, we will consider almost any project.
To explore more, visit our project pages to discover examples of our team’s work across diverse sectors, scales, and design requirements.
Whether you’re at the initial idea stage or ready to move into manufacture, we’re here to help; contact our team today to start the conversation.
Call us on 01323 679555 or email info@haywardgrp.co.uk
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