One of the great benefits of working with pultruded glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites is their versatility.

If you choose to work with an unfinished GFRP pultrusion profile, here are some basic processes you can do using standard engineering equipment.

Cutting

GFRP composites are lightweight and easy to cut. Here are some options:

By Hand: A hacksaw with a steel blade or preferably a Tungsten or Diamond gritted blade for easier cutting.

Circular Saw: Preferred option for volume cutting. Optimum cutting speed 3000metres/minute.

Ceramic Blade: Use a water jet to avoid burn marks (slurry collection required for the sawdust) or electroplated nickel with diamond. Use water jetting with a slurry collection for the longest blade life. Dry cutting requires dust extraction equipment.

Routing

For best results, use an electroplated diamond blade.

Shearing and Punching

Wider punch clearances are preferable. For large quantities, special punching pultrusion formulations can be formulated. Special tools are required.

Fastening

Self-tapping screws in pre-drilled holes or normal nuts and bolts. Crimped and/or bonded tube ends are also satisfactory.

Drilling

Normal high-speed twist drills use the same feeds and speeds as aluminum. Special drills can be obtained for modular drilling.

Sanding

Standard woodworking machines are used. Dust extraction is recommended. 

Bonding

The surface must be abraded and degreased prior to bonding. Epoxy adhesives give good results.

Painting

Stoved or unstoved paints can be used. An epoxy undercoat gives the best adhesion, but polyester and polyurethane undercoats will also give excellent results. Any compatible topcoat can be applied.

Custom pultrusion and post-processing technology

The majority of our composite profiles delivered are customized specifically for each customer. The combination of pultrusion, post-processing, and quality testing ensures we deliver components that can be relied on and require no further processing.

If you have a special finish you would like for your composite profile, please get in touch.