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Pultruded fiberglass is an extraordinary material with superior performance characteristics.
Consider the following recognized material advantages.
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CONDUCTIVITY – FG combines strength with very low levels of conductivity, without adding thermal breaks. FG is an amazing 500 times less conductive than aluminum and FG frames and sash are also less conductive than vinyl due to reduced mass. |
LOW MAINTENANCE – FG is the most stable material which provides an ideal base for a full range of finishes, ensuring an unbelievably durable window. This material is so tough that it will withstand extremes from Arctic cold to blazing desert heat or the rugged seacoast! |
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY – FG not only features the lowest embodied energy (low energy consumption in lineal production) when compared to other common window frame materials while providing the longest life expectancy. This has led experts to recognize FG as the most environmentally friendly system. |
NON-CORRODING – FG material is used in boats and bridge structures which face punishing loads and stresses as well as corrosive materials such as salt water. FG window frames provide superior life and durability to vinyl and aluminum in corrosive/coastal environments. |
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Pultrusion History |
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Fiberglass Pultruded Profiles are not new. The first patents for pultrusions were issued in 1946. Since then, INLINE FIBERGLASS has been granted International Patents related to the Fiberglass Pultrusion and the Fabrication and Assembly of Fiberglass Fenestration Products.
The entry of Fiberglass into the fenestration Industry (doors and windows), came about with the ability to maximize the Glass Content. The high glass content and polymer matrix increased the physical properties, including strength. With higher glass content, engineers and designers are able to thin down the wall thickness (as low as 0.07") while still maintaining designed strength.
Design potentials are limited only by the requirement that the shape be constant over the length of the profile. The high glass content improved many of the properties by stabilizing the resins. Lineal Profiles of intricate shapes are achieved with a new inert material with tight tolerances and mechanical properties rivaling metal. |
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Pultruded Fiberglass |
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Pultrusion is a fabrication process to produce lineal profiles, that brings high performance Space-Age Composites within the reach of Window and Door Manufacturers.
Continuous fiberglass reinforcements, in roving and mat forms, are drawn through a resin impregnation station to coat each fiber with a specially formulated Thermosetting Resin mixture. The coated fibers are assembled by forming-shaping guide and drawn (pulled) through a die, where under pressure and heat the resins are cured. The result is a high strength profile, ready for use as it leaves the Pultrusion Machine. The process is irreversible, it can not be melted or reformed, unlike PVC, which under heat, will deform.
The resin used in Fiberglass Pultrusions is Thermoset vs. PVC (vinyl) which use Thermoplastic Resins. In the pultrusion process, under heat and pressure, the Thermoset Resins and Fiberglass form a new inert material that is impervious to temperature. Pultruded Fiberglass physical properties do not change through the full temperature cycle up to 350 F.
PVC resins become unstable at 155 F. |
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Why Fiberglass?
