​Fiberglass

Fiberglass is a type of fiber-reinforced plastic where the reinforcement fiber is specifically glass fiber. The glass fiber may be flattened into a sheet, or woven into a fabric. The plastic matrix may be a thermoset polymer matrix – most often based on thermosetting polymers such as epoxy, polyester resin, or vinylester - or a thermoplastic.

PROCESSING MOTHOD:

Hand Lay-up

A release agent, usually in either wax or liquid form, is applied to the chosen mold to allow finished product to be cleanly removed from the mold. Resin—typically a 2-part thermoset polyester, vinyl or epoxy—is mixed with its hardener and applied to the surface. Sheets of fiberglass matting are laid into the mold, then more resin mixture is added using a brush or roller. The material must conform to the mold, and air must not be trapped between the fiberglass and the mold. Additional resin is applied and possibly additional sheets of fiberglass. Hand pressure, vacuum or rollers are used to be sure the resin saturates and fully wets all layers, and that any air pockets are removed. The work must be done quickly, before the resin starts to cure, unless high temperature resins are used which will not cure until the part is warmed in an oven.[17] In some cases, the work is covered with plastic sheets and vacuum is drawn on the work to remove air bubbles and press the fiberglass to the shape of the mold.

USES:

At the beginning of  the 1950’s, fiberglass has been used for the crostuction of objects exposed to weather, especially: cars, ships and boats, pools, tanks, skylights, telephone box. For the excellent skills of lightness, strength, fatigue resistance fiberglass is also used in the aeronautical sector, in the construction of wind turbine blades, in the production of sports equipment. Because of its corrosion resistance in basic environments such as seawater fiberglass it is used to produce pipes, tanks, silos, gratings.

In the industrial field, the fiberglass is also employed for the realization of atmospheric tanks for liquids.

Thanks to another property, such as poor electrical conductivity, is often used for the construction of electro-technical equipment covers.

It is used not only for racing vehicles, to reduce weight, also to create purely aesthetic add-ons by bodies or hulls. It is also used in the space industry given the properties to withstand explosive decompression.

In the medical field as fiberglass it is used to produce special bandages and protection, which, just like the plaster, allow the healing of bruises and dislocations (a process commonly called by doctors "bath fiberglass").

In recent years, it is also possible to realize ecological artifacts, thanks to the use of certified ecological resins.

Also used for architectural aesthetic parts and film sets.

Our company for over 50 years uses it for design, chairs, tables, furnishings, statues and execution of works and statues of sacred art.