What blade is best for cutting fiberglass grating?

Fiberglass reinforced plastic grating (also known as FRP grating, glass reinforced plastic grating or fiberglass grating) is a composite material manufactured by combining a matrix of resin and fiberglass. Fiberglass grating does not corrode like steel grating and is therefore used in corrosive environments to reduce maintenance costs. It is used in a variety of applications including walkways and overhead platforms. FRP grating is a structural product that can be weight-bearing between spans.

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Types

Molded FRP grating is composed of alternating directional layers of continuous glass fiber for strength, with resin to consolidate the fibers and provide the shape and corrosion-resistance. Due to its bidirectional strength, molded grating can tolerate cutouts in the panel to allow pipe or equipment penetrations without requiring additional support around the opening. Molded grating has very high impact tolerance, as well as the highest chemical resistance of any fiberglass grating. It can be made slip-resistant by adding grit to the surface.

Pultruded FRP grating consists of continuous glass strands encased in resin and wrapped in a surfacing veil which protects the fibers and allows resin to saturate the outermost part of the bar as well as penetrate between the glass fibers. This ensures a smooth and corrosion-resistant surface, with a higher glass/resin ratio than molded products. The individual bars are then assembled using cross bars and epoxy to mechanically join the load bars. Pultruded grating has unidirectional strength, with its much higher glass content resulting in a greater span capability than molded products. This product is usually specified in applications requiring larger spans or heavier loading.[1]

FRP/GRP Composite materials are replacing conventional materials and major asset-owners are fostering innovation and steadily increasing the use in so many applications. By combining fibreglass rovings with a thermosetting resin, these are proven to withstand the effects of corrosion and are highly impact resistant, and each day newly found applications are discovered. They meet the same specified load requirements as steel and are more resistant to impact.[2]

Many resin types may be used in pultrusion including polyester, polyurethane, vinylester epoxy, isophthalic polyester, Orthophthalic and phenolics.

Applications

Fiberglass grating is often used when there are safety concerns due to liquids or oils on the floor and more corrosive environments needing chemical resistance.

Many applications can benefit from fiberglass grating, such as: walkways, platforms, protective shielding, machinery housings, raised floors and stairways.

In addition, Industries that use molded fiberglass grating can include bottling lines, food processing plants, lift stations, commercial aquariums, lube oil facilities, plating shops, beverage canning facilities, chemical plants and pulp and paper plants.

FRP technology

Stair tread panels can also be manufactured using FRP technology. Molded stair treads provide corrosion resistance, durability, and ease of fabrication and maintenance.

References

How to Cut Fiberglass Grating

Cutting FRP Grating is easy if you do it right. You can use the same saws used for cutting wood, to cut FRP. They key is to use a diamond tip blade. If you try to use a regular blade to cut fiberglass grating, it will dull very quickly.

This video shows how to cut FRP Grating safely using a standard skill saw.

Be Safe When You Cut FRP Grating

These safety tips are very important. When cutting FRP, you should saw a little slower that you would normally cut wood. If you try to cut too fast, the saw blade might get jammed. There will be quite a bit of fiberglass dust, so be sure to use a mask with a proper fiberglass filter. If you don&#;t have a ventilation system, a fan will help direct the dust away from you.

You can cut curves and angles in fiberglass grating the same way. You can use a reciprocating saw or a jig-saw. Again, the key is to use a diamond-tip blade.

When you cut FRP grating, the general rule is that you have to re-seal it with polyurethane. You can pick up a can of polyurethane spray at any paint store. However, some of the varieties of grating we sell at National Grating have a polymer composition that is so durable, re-sealing may not be required in some applications. Contact us to learn which type of grating best suits your needs.

So, the next time you buy Fiberglass Grating from National Grating, you can either order it cut to size, or order full panels and choose to cut FRP grating yourself!

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National Grating provides pultruded and molded fiberglass grating, fiberglass tube, fiberglass angle and hardware to ALL USA States including California, Oregon, Florida, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Georgia, Michigan, Virginia, Massachusetts, Arizona, Washington, North Carolina, Nevada, Texas, New Mexico, Indiana, Tennessee, Colorado, Maryland, Missouri, Wisconsin and Utah. Our pricing and service experts are standing by to help to find the best product for your project. With many varieties in stock and expedited shipping, we can supply your project with fiberglass grating at the best price.

Fiberglass Grating and Radio Frequency Transparency

In today&#;s connected world, we depend on cellular signals, Wi-Fi networks and over the air radio and television signals. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity are essential to on-site work environments. Steel structures significantly disrupt these signals. Fiberglass grating is an essential part of FRP building structures that are &#;electronically transparent&#; and do not interfere with radio frequency transmissions.