Why Pultrusion Technology

Some of the many advantages of pultruded products include:

• High corrosion resistance that withstands the effects of moisture and chemicals
• Lightweight materials that make it easier to handle, reduce product weight and simplify installation and manufacturing
  
• Non-conductivity to eliminate electrical/thermal hazards
  
• Easy to fabricate, aesthetically pleasing appearance
  
• Superior strength-to-weight ratio
  
• Low rate of expansion and contraction
  
• Warping, bending, denting and splitting resistance
  
• Vibration and noise elimination
  
• Paintable surface and wide spectrum of color choices to enable material to be color-matched and coordinated with existing materials

Factor	Pultruded FRP	Aluminum	Steel	Wood
Corrosion Resistance	Superior resistance to a broad range of chemicals	Can cause galvanic corrosion	Subject to oxidation and corrosion	Can warp, rot and decay when exposed to moisture, water and chemicals
Weight	About 70% the weight of aluminum; half-inch-thick plate weighs 4.7 pounds per sq. ft.	One third the weight of copper or steel	Half-inch-thick plate weighs 20.4 per sq. ft.	Specific gravity = .51
Electrical Conductivity	Non-conductive high-dielectric capability	Conducts electricity; has grounding potential	Conducts electricity; has grounding potential	Can be conductive when wet
Strength	Ultimate flexural strength (Fu) LW = 30 ksi; 30,000 psi compression strength	Ultimate flexural strength (Fu) LW = 35 ksi; 30,000 psi compression strength	Ultimate flexural strength (Fu) LW = 36 ksi; 30,000 psi compression strength	Compression parallel to the strain equals up to 1,800 psi
Impact Resistance	Glass mat in pultruded fiberglass distributes impact load to prevent surface damage even in sub-zero temperatures; will not permanently deform under impact	Easily deforms under impact	Can permanently deform under impact	Easily deforms under impact
Factor	Pultruded FRP	Aluminum	Steel	Wood
Cost	Slightly higher tooling costs; price per lineal foot marginally higher	Extrusion tooling is relatively expensive; part price comparable or slightly lower	Lower initial material costs	Lower initial material costs
Fabrication	Easy field fabrication with simple tools; uses adhesive bonding or mechanical joining, no welding or torches	Good machinability; welded, soldered or brazing joining	Requires welding or cutting torch; weight of material requires lifting equipment	Can be fabricated with simple tools and bonded with adhesives
Finishing & Color	Pigments added to resin provide color throughout the part; special colors available; composite design can be customized for required finishes	Silver color; other colors require pre-finishes, anodic coatings and paints	Gray color; other colors require pre-finishes, anodic coatings and paints	Must be primed and painted for colors; repainting required to maintain
EMI/RFI Transparency	Transparent to radio waves; EMI/RMI transmissions; used for radar and antenna enclosures	Highly reflective	Can interfere with EMI/RMI transmissions	Transparent to EMI/RMI transmissions
Stiffness	Modulus of elasticity LW = 2.5 x 10 psi; CW .8 x 10 psi	Modulus of elasticity LW = xx x 10 psi	Modulus of elasticity LW = 29 X 10 psi	Modulus of elasticity LW = x 1.8 x 10 psi