The Fiberglass Lamination Factor: Why This Process Works

When you work with Conversion Technologies International—whether located in Ohio or on the other side of the country—you have access to a number of different services. Among them? Fiberglass lamination.

But how does it work? Below, we’re walking you through the process—and how we can help.

What does a fiberglass laminator do?

We work with fiberglass laminators to create and solidify supportive structures. The laminated fiberglass usually acts as a component of products like boats, as well as cars. Needless to say, much of the manufacturing industry utilizes fiberglass lamination machines. The process reinforces existing fiberglass, making it stronger and more durable. While fiberglass is strong on its own, the lamination process makes it more impact- and corrosion-resistant, among other things.

The lamination itself acts as a kind of reinforcer. It’s adding to the original product, transforming it into what you need.

How does the fiberglass lamination process work?

Usually, the fiberglass lamination process begins with a series of molds, into which we spray materials like resin, fiberglass, and more. From there, you’ll layer the fiberglass and resin with fabrics or mats.

The reason why we use these molds is that they essentially shape the material. The fiberglass, resin, and other composite materials takes on the form of whatever we need. This means we can apply laminated fiberglass within a number of different industries. You can even use the product when building golf carts!

After that, the laminator moves on to smoothing any bubbles and creases out of the mixture. The smoother the product, the better—and consistency is key. From there, depending on the needs of the final product, you may apply additional chemicals. The laminator trims the fiberglass, ensuring there isn’t any excess when it’s removed from the mold. They’ll also cure the material, though this can vary, again depending on the final product.

Is fiberglass stronger than plastic?

As mentioned above, fiberglass lamination strengthens the existing fiberglass product. However, it maintains a pleasing aesthetic similar to glass. Quite often, we compare laminated fiberglass to plastic. While fiberglass on its own may not be able to stand up to plastic every time, laminated fiberglass can.

In some cases, we may even use laminated fiberglass as an alternative to plastic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a few more questions about laminating fiberglass? Below, we’ve listed a few our clients commonly ask.

What are the benefits of working with laminated fiberglass?

There’s a reason why we so often rely on fiberglass lamination as a process. While it doesn’t fit every project, laminated fiberglass serves many different purposes, and the product offers its own unique strengths that makes it highly appealing across the manufacturing industry.

Some of the benefits of working with laminated fiberglass include:

• You know now that we use fiberglass lamination to strengthen existing fiberglass. However, we haven’t gotten into the specifics just yet. The tensile strength of laminated fiberglass stands somewhere between 45,000 and 50,000 PSI. This means it’s highly resistant to impact. Fiberglass isn’t super heavy, and we can transport it easily. However, it is heavier than plastic. With that being said, it also has a heavier strength-to-weight ratio. Ultimately, we can get a lot out of this product, without breaking the bank.
• Corrosion-resistance. Not only is laminated fiberglass resistant to impact—it also resists corrosion and rot. That means it lasts longer, which ultimately increases the overall cost-efficiency of the product.
• Generally speaking, fiberglass is a more affordable option than many alternatives. Because you don’t have to replace laminated fiberglass as often, you don’t have to spend as much on the product over the course of its lifespan. Furthermore, its lightweight nature makes it easier to transport and install. You don’t have to spend as much money on maintenance.
• Because you don’t have to spend as much time on fiberglass maintenance, you save not only money but time.
• Laminated fiberglass provides both thermal and electrical insulation. It’s resistant to extreme temperatures, and is quite preferred in the electronics industry.

What else can we laminate?

When working with a company like CTI, fiberglass lamination is just one option. We can also laminate other substrates, including:

• Nylon
• Polyester
• Cellular Sponge
• Cork
• Delrin
• EPDM
• Foam
• Fabric
• Latex
• Natural Rubber
• Neoprene
• Foil
• VHB
• Paper
• Silicone
• Thermoplastic
• PVC
• Polypropylene
• Polyethylene
• Polyurethane

Can I outsource fiberglass lamination?

Yes—among other things. Many small business owners work with third party manufacturers. Those manufacturers handle everything from applying epoxy to providing the final product. There are several benefits to outsourcing, even beyond the convenience. You don’t have to add new employees to your roster, you don’t have to worry about extra training, and you don’t have to acquire additional facilities. As such, third party manufacturing is automatically more cost-effective. We can’t overstate the reliability of an experienced manufacturer, either. Why waste time on trial and error when you can get great results from the start?

One option: contract manufacturing. A contract manufacturer handles the process from beginning to end. They’re experts on everything from epoxy to carbon fiber. Although you as the business owner have plenty of input, you don’t have to procure the raw materials necessary for the project. It’s much easier on you, and often more affordable in the long term.

Conclusion

Whether or not you work with a contract manufacturer, fiberglass lamination is quite the undertaking. Why not consult with a company that has experience in that sphere? CTI is ready to assist as you explore this process. Call us at 419-924-5566 or reach out here for further information.