Pultrusion Process

Pultrusion Process

The Pultrusion Process is used to create composite materials consisting of a reinforcing material encased in a synthetic resin. Pultruded sections are used to replace metals in many applications because composites are light, strong, non-corroding and need little maintenance.

The pultrusion process involves pulling fibre or mat reinforcing material through a series of processing stages that include:

• a resin tank that impregnates the fibres with resin
• preforming guides that give the composite its initial shape
• heated dies that shape and cure the resin / reinforcement mixture 
• a cutting stage where the continuous rod of fully cured composite is cooled and cut into designated lengths by a circular saw or bandsaw.

Applications

Fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) composites are used to replace metals in many applications including:

• rods and poles
• gardening tool handles
• broom handles
• plant supporting poles
• fence poles and posts
• flag poles
• lamp posts
• tent poles
• poles for sports
• electric conduit and sheathing
• rails and fences
• construction industry applications, e.g. bridges, walkways, tanks and decks

and many others where a structural section is required.