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PULTRUSION
One
of the fastest growing and complex areas of GRP production, pultrusion is a
sophisticated highly capital intensive process for the continuous volume
manufacture of close dimensioned profiles. Continuous reinforcements pre
impregnated with resin by dip bath or injection are pulled through a heated die
to cure to a strong, rigid section. Internal release agents are exclusively
used and CRC are the market leader in supplying this technically demanding
industry with a range of products for different resin matrices and final
product requirements.
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FILAMENT WINDING
Another capital intensive process
which is the winding of continuous resin impregnated reinforced fibres around a
cylindrical former. Mainly for the production of pressure vessels, tubes and
tanks because of the high hoop stress, which is often enhanced by cross winding
at different angles.
Externally applied release agents water based and
washable preferably, are used to minimise contamination. CRC have developed
special aqueous emulsions to wet metal surfaces and are the main supplier in
this industry.
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SMC/BMC
This is the ultimate GRP process, high volume,
high cost tooling and process equipment with many varied applications in the
electrical, construction and automotive industries.
A physically thickened
compound (BMC) or chemically thickened compound (SMC) made from reinforced
fibres, resin, catalyst, pigment, filler and release agent is compression
moulded at temperatures in excess of 130oC in a matched steel tool.
CRC
are heavily involved in developing an alternative to group two metallic
stearates commonly used, but with many disadvantages to post mould processing
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RESIN TRANSFER MOULDING/COLD PRESS
This process
utilises low to medium cost matched male and female tooling. Resin is either
injected into the closed mould void pre filled with reinforcement, often with
vacuum (RTM) or introduced prior to mould closure (cold press). Good
productivity is achieved with CRC IMR grades specially formulated for gel coat
and bulk resin allowing long runs between mould maintenance and consistent
finish. Post mould operations such as painting and adhesive bonding are not
affected. Marbocote external release compliments the IMR system perfectly in
this application.
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HAND LAY UP and SPRAY UP
Contact moulding is highly
labour intensive. Reinforcing materials are applied as a mat or chopped glass
fibres into a pre-catalyst resin matrix in an open mould which is normally gel
coated. This is then consolidated and de-aired by hand. Moulds are normally wax
coated. IMR's are used with both gel coated and non gel coated mouldings to
enhance external release agent performance and therefore increase productivity.
We offer low cost solvent synthetic wax and flurocarbon external release agents
as well as water based emulsions. Marbocote semi-permanent systems are
increasingly replacing conventional external release agents.
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