PULTRUSION TECHNOLOGY
Pultrusion is a continuous process that permits to produce composite profiles with a constant cross-section without limit in length.
Made of oriented structural fibers and linked by a polymeric matrix, it’s possible to change considerably the chemical-physical characteristics of the final product by varying the orientation or type of fibers, and by manipulating the formulation of the matrix (resin + additives).
The puller system pulls out the final product from the mold, and bring it to the cutting station, where the profile is cut to the required length.
RAW MATERIALS
POLYESTER RESINS
The polyester resins used by Fibraworld are all thermosetting.
The difference between thermosetting and thermoplastic is that the first one can't be converted in other shape by heating.
Following the most used resins:
- ORTHOPHTHALIC = they are generally the cheapest of all
polyesters. Orthophthalic Resins are used where general
properties are not critical
- ISOPHTHALIC = they are the most suitable resins, thanks to their
low cost and excellent physical properties of the final product
- VINYLESTER = they are the most expensive resins, but they have
outstanding characteristics unmatched by any other polyester resin
POLYESTER RESINS
The polyester resins used by Fibraworld are all thermosetting.
The difference between thermosetting and thermoplastic is that the first one can't be converted in other shape by heating.
Following the main resins in order of usage:
- ORTHOPHTHALIC = they are generally the cheapest of all polyesters. Orthophthalic
Resins are used where general properties are not critical
- ISOPHTHALIC = they are the most suitable resins, thanks to their low cost and
excellent physical properties of the final product
- VINYLESTER = they are the most expensive resins, but they have outstanding
properties unmatched by any other polyester resin
PULTRUSION ADDITIVES
One of the main advantages of pultrusion is that it's possible to change resin formulations in order to modify drastically the final properties of the profile. There are additives that assigns self-estinguishing properties, other that improve the smoothness of the surface and others for UV Protection.
Because of this great variety of additives, it's very important to understand the application or the environment where the profiles will be installed, in order to choose the most suitable formulation.
PULTRUSION ADDITIVES
One of the main advantages of pultrusion is that it's possible to change
resin formulations in order to modify drastically the final properties
of the profile. There are additives that assigns self-estinguishing
properties, other that improve the smoothness of the surface and others
for UV Protection.
Because of this great variety of additives,
it's very important to understand the application or the environment
where the profiles will be installed, in order to choose the most
suitable formulation.
DIRECT ROVING
Roving gives to the final product high strength along the axis of the pultrusion (but doesn't provide any cross reinforcement).
Roving are also used to carry the other types of reinforcement and resin into the mold.
The main typology of roving that Fibraworld actually use is E-Glass Roving (with a great electrical insulation), but other typologies of Roving are also possible to use, as S-Glass Roving, Carbon Roving and Aramid Roving.
Depending on the dimensions of the profile, different sizes of Roving are used, from 2400 tex to 9600 tex (1 tex is 1 g/km).
DIRECT ROVING
Roving gives to the final product high strength along the axis of the pultrusion (but doesn't provide any cross reinforcement).
Roving are also used to carry the other types of reinforcement and resin into the mold.
The
main typology of roving that Fibraworld actually use is E-Glass Roving
(with a great electrical insulation), but other typologies of
Roving are also possible to use, as S-Glass Roving, Carbon Roving and
Aramid Roving.
Depending on the dimensions of the profile, different sizes of Roving are used, from 2400 tex to 9600 tex (1 tex is 1 g/km).
CONTINUOUS FILAMENT MAT
Mat is born from the chemical assembly of scattered fibers (mostly E-Glass Fibers).
The main purpose of Mat is to give a cross reinforcement to the profile, to divide and fix the different layers of Roving, to create a superficial protection and to facilitate the workability of the product.
Depending on the dimensions of the profile, different sizes of Mat are used, from 300 g/m² to 600 g/m².
CONTINUOUS FILAMENT MAT
Mat is born from the chemical assembly of scattered fibers (mostly E-Glass Fibers).
The main purpose of Mat is to give a cross reinforcement to the profile, to divide and fix the different layers of Roving, to create a superficial
protection and to facilitate the workability of the product.
Depending on the dimensions of the profile, different sizes of Mat are used, from 300 g/m² to 600 g/m².
