FAQs
What are Composites?
Composites are two or more separate (and separable) components that can be combined on a microscopic scale, in a controlled manner, to give optimum properties. The properties of the resulting material are superior to those of the constituents in isolation, and may be unique.
Why use Engineered Polymer Composites?
Composites are an innovative replacement for conventional materials such as steel, aluminium and plastics for a wide range of applications.
- Advantages:
- Consistent in material quality
- Uniform & consistent thickness
- Pre-finished holes & features – NO rework line
- Consistent painting quality
- No waviness on outer surface
- In-built ribs for strengthening
- Moulded inserts and studs for assembly
- Part integration & consolidation
- Non-corrosive
- Excellent thermal, electrical insulation properties
Is Composite Manufacturing a Modern Day Phenomenon?
No! It is not a new idea! Humans have been using composite materials for thousands of years. For example:
- Clay bricks – easy to break by bending- puts tension force on one edge makes a strong wall when all forces are compressive.
- Straw – Has lots of tensile strength but is easily crumpled.
- Combining Clay and straw provides a building block which has high compressive as well as tensile strength.
How is a Composite Made?
One material (the matrix or binder) surrounds and binds together a cluster of fibres or fragments of a much stronger material (the reinforcement). The reinforced plastic composite consists of a fibrous reinforcing network embedded in the cured resin matrix. The thermosetting type resin is a plastic that cures from a liquid to a solid through a chemical reaction of its two components. Once this reaction occurs, the material can not be reformed.
What are Different Types of Reinforcements?
- Glass fibres
- Carbon/Graphite Fibres
- Ceramic
- Kevlar Fibres
- Various natural fibres like, sisal, bamboo
What are the Different Types of Resins?
- Epoxies (Low shrinkage higher cost normally used for tooling)
- Polyester (General purpose applications)
- Vinyl Esters (High heat or chemical resistant applications)
- Gel Coats (Surface finish application)
What are the Different Types of Manufacturing Techniques for Glass Filled Composites?
- Hand Lay-up (Laminating )
- Resin Transfer Moulding
- Resin Infusion Moulding
- Compression Forming
- Compression Moulding – SMC & DMC
- Pultrusion
- Vacuum bag moulding
Why use Thermosetplastics instead of Thermoplastics?
- Dimensional accuracy and stability, combined with good property retention, over a broad range of temperatures
- Design flexibility in moulding from thin to thick sections
- Formulating latitude to meet specific requirements and cost parameters with good speed to market
- Non-melting, flame retardant and low smoke density
- Solvent resistant
- Low material cost per cubic inch
- Incorporation of reinforcemen