Fiberglass-reinforced plastic structural gratings are a robust and durable alternative to metal. They offer several benefits, making them ideal for use in harsh environments.

Molded fiberglass gratings comprise alternating directional layers of continuous glass fiber for strength and resin to consolidate them and provide corrosion resistance.

They are used in various applications, including walkways and platforms, trench covers, machinery housings, and raised floors. These gratings are also often used in hazardous electrical environments because they are non-conductive.

Durability

Fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) structural grates are a highly durable option for walkways, stairs, platforms, and load-bearing structures. They are typically more robust, lighter, and corrosion-resistant than metal gratings and are also more cost-effective to install and maintain.

FRP gratings can be molded or pultruded to create structural shapes for stair systems, platforms, and catwalks. These structural shapes can be designed to meet specific performance and safety requirements.

The pultrusion process uses a caterpillar-like machine to pull fiberglass strands through a heated die that is then cured. Rovings, mats, and a surface veil are used in pultruded products to provide tensile and flexural strength.

Fiberglass grating is lightweight and a solid alternative to steel, providing superior slip resistance in wet and oily environments where steel becomes slippery. This increases safety and reduces workplace accidents and injury-related costs.

Corrosion Resistant

FRP is a corrosion-resistant, non-corrosive composite material that provides an economical alternative to steel, aluminum, or other materials. It is a perfect choice for environments containing chemically active elements that can cause metal grating to corrode and rust.

The fiberglass-reinforced plastic grating has many uses, including; fire escapes, raised floors, platforms, drain covers, protective shields, stair treads, walkways, docks, and trench covers. It is also very lightweight, which makes it easy to install, and a popular replacement for metal grating.

Molded fiberglass grating comprises continuous glass-fiber strands in alternating layers thoroughly whetted with a resin system to provide strength and corrosion resistance. The gratings can be set directly onto the surface or pultruded into one-piece panels ready to install.

In addition to continuous strands of glass, several other reinforcements are used in molded and pultruded fiberglass grating. Rovings, mats, and veils are used to enhance the overall performance of these components.

Lightweight

The lightweight nature of fiberglass reinforced plastic structural grate makes them ideal for various construction projects. They are easy to transport and can be cut on-site according to the project’s needs.

Fiberglass grating comprises randomly-positioned woven threads and glass fibers bonded with a resin. The mixture is heated until it reaches a molten state and then pushed through tiny holes to create the final product.

This grating has excellent strength-to-weight ratios and is up to 70% lighter than steel. It can also withstand high temperatures and is corrosion-resistant.

There are two primary manufacturing processes for fiberglass grating: open molding and pultrusion. Both use fiberglass reinforcement formed in a polyester or vinyl ester resin matrix. Marco offers both methods and can tailor a fiberglass grating to your specifications.

Low Maintenance

Fiberglass-reinforced plastic structural grates are virtually maintenance-free because they resist corrosion. This is a significant advantage compared to steel or other materials that rust or degrade over time.

FRP structural shapes and gratings have been used in many industrial applications to replace metal counterparts because they are lighter, stronger, and offer many other advantages. They are also less expensive to install and operate over time.

This is why they are increasingly being used for walkways and platforms.

As a result, the global fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) grating market is expected to grow.

Unlike metal gratings, FRP gratings are not corrosion-resistant because they contain a matrix of resin and fiberglass. This allows them to be installed in corrosive environments without frequent maintenance or replacement. This is especially important in chemical plants, refineries, and oil & gas operations.