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The
process of manufacturing fiberglass is called pultrusion because of
its fabrication process to produce lineal profiles. The pultrustion
involves pulling a collection of fibers in the form of rowing, tow,
mat or fabric through a resin bath and then through a heated die to
cure the resin. Fiberglass is irreversible, it cannot be reformed or
melted like PVC. Fiberglass is a strong durable material perfect for
window material which is subject to daily wear and tear from the environment.
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Example
of fiberglass roving
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The
manufacturing process works as follows:
Continuous strands of fiberglass roving and fiberglass mats are impregnated
with resin, then drawn though a steel die which sets the shape of
the stock. A portion of the die is heated to initiate the cure. The
end product is a thermoset Fiberglass Composite. Very high
strengths are possible due to high glass concentration and orientation
of Fiberglass rovings and mats parallel and perpendicular to the length
of the material being drawn through the die. |
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Thermoset
(Fiberglass) & Thermoplastic (PVC/Vinyl):
Thermoset: (Fiberglass) Heat is generally used to cause a chemical
reaction which sets the shape of the part permanently. Once the materials
are cured they cannot be reformed: the process is irreversible. All
fiberglass Products are thermoset.
Thermoplastic: (PVC/Vinyl) Heat is used to melt or soften a
material during the forming operation. The shape is retained after
the part is cooled below the softening point. The shape is not permanent
since heating will soften the material and allow it to flow. The process
is reversible. Products primarily made of plastics are thermoplastic.
PVC is a thermoplastic material. |
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| Pultrusion-The
fabrication process to produce lineal profiles. Pultrusion process:
Continuous strands of glass are saturated in a thermoset resin and
pass through a heated die They are pulled through the die rather than
pushed or extruded through the die-hence the term pultrusion. Pultruded
Fiberglass has proven to be a superior material in five ways: dimensional
stability, thermal insulation, durability and aesthetics, and environmental
friendliness. |
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Manufacturing
process:
The Fiberglass is pultruded (pulled) as compared to protruded (pushed)
through a die. Benefit of this process are: no greenhouse gases
are released during productions which contributes to a cleaner environment
and a durable material that is irreversible. |
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