Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) have gained significant popularity across various industries due to their exceptional properties, offering a versatile and cost-effective solution for numerous applications. Their high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and overall durability make them popular in settings where traditional materials like steel or aluminium may fall short.
Two major types of FRP gratings, moulded and pultruded, have emerged as frontrunners in the market. Both FRP types have unique benefits, which is why people must know the difference between them so they can make an informed decision before buying.
Pultruded Gratings
Pultruded FRP gratings are the most common type in use today. As the name suggests, pultruded gratings are manufactured using a pultrusion process. This involves pulling fibreglass reinforcements and thermoset resin through a heated steel forming die. The die cures and shapes the resin-coated fibres into the desired grating profile.
Pultruded gratings have a uniform cross-section with a very high fibreglass content. This results in excellent mechanical properties like tensile and shear strength. The high fibre volume also minimises the grating’s coefficient of thermal expansion. This means pultruded FRP offers superior strength and stiffness for demanding structural load applications.
Standard pultruded grating profiles include rectangular bars, I-bar, and T-bar configurations. The rectangular shape is the simplest, with a flat top surface. I-bar gratings have a T-shaped upper profile that increases slip resistance. T-bar gratings add a lowered bearing bar for improved load support.
Moulded Gratings
Moulded FRP gratings provide a more open design with increased airflow and drainage capabilities. Rather than being pultruded, moulded gratings are made by laying fibreglass reinforcements into an open mould cavity. The resin is then added, cured, and the grating is finished.
Moulded gratings are often better when ventilation, drainage, and liquid flow through are essential. Common applications include grating over trenches or pits and walkways where water can drain freely. The openness also prevents material buildup on the grating surface.
In addition, the moulded surface texture of these gratings offers excellent slip resistance, enhancing safety in both wet and dry conditions. This feature is particularly beneficial in industries where employee safety is a top priority. And thanks to their resistance to chemicals and UV radiation, moulded FRP gratings demand minimal maintenance efforts and costs over their lifespan.
Where to Buy FRP Gratings?
If you are looking for the best FRP supplier in Australia, Sustainable Infrastructure Systems is for you. Our team specialises in the development of sustainable products by using a holistic project management approach to guarantee the best results. To learn more about our products and services, connect with us by emailing [email protected] or by calling 1300 261 074.