Filon Products - The Science of GRP: What is GRP?
The Science of GRP
GRP, which stands for glass reinforced polyester, is a material that is known for its lightweight nature and durability. But, what’s under the surface and why has it become such a popular material choice? Let’s find out.
What is GRP?
Glass reinforced polyester, also known as fibreglass or FRP, is a composite material composed of both fibres and resin. The two components coming together create a desirable material that has many characteristics which make the material versatile and ideal for various applications.
When we say versatile, we mean that it works well across a variety of industries such as construction, automotive, aerospace, rail, and renewable energy (wind farm turbines), to name a few.
How is GRP made?
GRP is made from glass fibres and polyester resin, making it a composite material. Explore the process of Filon GRP sheets and profiles being made and dive into the applications that it is chosen for time and time again.
How are Filon GRP Products made?
The manufacturing process is called pultrusion and we firstly create a flat laminate on a wide carrier film that is ‘pulled’ through the production line. The process is as follows:
Polyester resin is poured onto the carrier film to a specific thickness, we then lay onto the resin a glass fibre mat which is produced online by chopping glass strands into shorter lengths and spread evenly, to a controlled weight. Nylon threads are then laid at tension, on top of the glass strands known as rovings, to create a glass mat of even thickness. Then we apply a top film which for external sheet use is normally UV absorbing to ensure a lengthy lifespan. To ensure the glass is fully impregnated into the resin, the laminate passes through a series of fluted rollers which impregnate the glass into the resin and it then makes its way to the forming section and ovens.
The forming section involves a series of formers, or shoes, that take the laminate into the required sheet shape or profile. This happens through a number of ovens which effectively ‘cook’ the sheet and lock in the required profile. This ‘cooking’ involves a chemical exothermic reaction, which generates heat, and the oven and sheet temperatures are carefully controlled before the sheet goes through the saw section where it is cut to the necessary width and length before being quality checked for profile, thickness, light transmission and other critical characteristics. When the quality control checks approve the sheet for use it is then labelled, packed, and delivered.
What is GRP known for?
There are so many characteristics and benefits to this material, here are a few of them. GRP does not melt, and has a high energy absorption and resistance to both chemicals and corrosion, too. It’s easy to shape and has a known durability, offering an extremely high strength to weight ratio. Plus, it is durable, hard-wearing, and can stand the test of time. Filon translucent sheets are highly diffusing, spreading the light passing through it in a wide angle, reducing the likelihood of hot spots, shadows, and glare.
What is GRP made for?
GRP is an ideal material because it is so durable and long-lasting, which makes it a popular choice in many settings that we see. From tent poles to tool handles, ladders to lamp posts, baths to boats, and just about everything in between, GRP is a widely adopted material that acts as a chameleon in its environment. At Filon, we use GRP especially for rooflights, valley trough gutters, and flat sheet applications to name a few.
What is the difference between GRP, FRP and Fibreglass?
They are one and the same, so you may see the material being referred to as one of these.
GRP in Rooflights
GRP is the go-to choice for industrial rooflights, mainly because they are durable and lightweight, but also because they are incredibly energy-efficient and a simple direct replacement for the main opaque roof sheets.
At Filon, we have been developing GRP profiled sheets since the late 1950s, and have become the go-to manufacturer and supplier for this material, especially for rooflight applications.
Our sheets have a lifespan of around 30 years, meaning that the need for replacement and maintenance is minimal, a desirable trait when installing rooflights. The natural composition of them also offers up to 92% light transmission, reducing the need for artificial lights and reducing the energy usage, too. They’re a popular choice for industrial and agricultural settings, and the GRP composite is always a firm choice with customers.
If you’d like to discover more about GRP and our solutions, please get in touch with a member of the team and we will be more than happy to help.