Continuous Lamination FRP Manufacturing Process
What is Continuous Lamination?
Continuous lamination is used to produce flat or semi-flat panels with high strength, consistent thickness and structural integrity. This process is ideal for both opaque and translucent panels like roofing panels, sandwich wall panels and agricultural daylighting panels.
The continuous lamination process helps manufacturers meet quality standards at faster speeds. The process was advanced as the demand for composites grew in the last 75 years. Composites manufacturers needed a way to bulk-produce or mass-produce products like fiberglass form deck without sacrificing structural integrity. Continuous lamination produces consistent Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) profiles across very wide, very long and/or very flat profiles.
Steps for Continuous Lamination
The continuous lamination process commonly has five steps:
- Layering Reinforcements
- Impregnating Resins
- Forming and Compaction
- Curing
- Cooling and Cutting
Reinforcement layers are created by feeding fiberglass fabric onto a roller system. The layers are then saturated with resin either by dipping, spraying or via resin rollers. These materials move through a series of additional rollers or through a compaction system. This not only compresses the layers but also removes air, yielding uniform thickness. The layered composite material is cured by passing between heated rollers or in a curing oven. The cured product is then cooled, stabilizing the structure and can then be cut to the desired final length or shape.
FRP Solutions from Creative Composites Group
Creative Composites Group (CCG) is a single-source, U.S. manufacturer of the highest quality FRP solutions. Enduro Composites, a CCG company, pioneered a technique for integrating more glass into their continuous lamination-produced panels, increasing their strength and quality. Enduro's TuffSpan™ products have earned FM certification, are available in multiple colors (both opaque and translucent) and are backed by over 70 years of expertise and service. Partnering with CCG, you’ll get a lasting solution to almost any infrastructural application and the backing of CCG’s expert support.