Molded & Pultruded FRP Grating – The Difference
Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) grating can be found in many industrial applications as it is light, resistant to corrosion, durable and non conductive. It can be used as an alternative to steel grating.
There are two types of FRP grating available; molded and pultruded. Whilst both have great features, they will have different manufacturing processes and therefore will have different strength, load distribution and uses.
1. Molded FRP Grating
Molded FRP grating is manufactured using continuous fiberglass fibres and resin mixed together in a mold.
Features:
- Unidirectional strength
- Highly resistant to corrosion & chemicals
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Non conductive
- Gritted surface
Uses:
- Chemical Processing Plants
- Water Treatment Facilities
- Marine Walkways
- Industrial Platforms
- Refinery Drainage Areas
2. Pultruded FRP Grating
Pultruded FRP grating is produced using continuous fiberglass fibres that are pulled through resin and then put into a hot die to produce strong structural shapes. These are then put together to form grating panels (usually I-Bar or T-Bar structures).
Features:
- High longitudinal strength.
- Strong with great weight to strength ratio
- Uniform structural shapes
- Resistant to corrosion & moisture
Uses:
- Offshore Platforms
- Industrial Walkways
- Chemical Processing
- Water Treatment
- Structural Flooring
Advantages of Molded GRP Grating
- Bi-directional strength – Load bearing in more than one direction.
- Corrosion Resistant – Can be used in moist and chemical environments.
- Safer – Gritty surface increases slip resistance.
- Lightweight – Easy to install.
- Low Maintenance – Will not rust like traditional steel grating.
5. Advantages of Pultruded GRP Grating
- Strong – More strength in load bearing bars.
- Long Span – Can be used where long spans are needed.
- Uniform Shape – Uniform structural size.
- Lightweight – Less dead loading on structures.
- Smooth and Gritty – Can be smooth or gritty.
BothMolded and Pultruded FRP Grating will provide you with a reliable solution. Molded GRP has bi-directional strength and flexibility. Pultruded GRP has unidirectional strength with more stiffness.
It depends on what type of loading you need, how far the span is and the environment.
Looking for qualityFRP/GRP grating in Saudi Arabia? Contact us at Arabian Gratings.
