Pultrusion is a word that is often used to describe the process of creating fibreglass. The term combines the words ‘pull’ and ‘extrusion’, with the latter meaning the pushing of a material. In essence, pultruded products are the result of raw composites being pulled through a heated die so that a continuous composite profile is created. The result is a material that is long lasting, robust and stronger, which is why pultrusion products are used in a wide number of different industries.
One option you have is to purchase a pultruded box section.When doing so you will receive a box of square and / or rectangle pieces in sizes that you have chosen. The slides will fit together to create a box. Not only can you select the size you require, but also you will be able to choose the thickness you need as well as the weight of the box sections. These boxes can be used in a variety of applications, from automation, to robotics, to use in UAVs (Unmanned aerial vehicles).
The pultrusion process involves a number of steps that are designed to produce a material that has a great strength to weight ratio. The process beings with the support of reinforcements, which can be aramid, carbon or glass in a stitched, woven, mat or tow format. After this, it will be accurately formed into the shape that is needed by being pulled into the infeed area where it is impregnated with a resin matric, which can be phenolic, epoxy, vinylester or polyester.
There is then a heated pultrusion die, which the impregnated reinforcement is pulled through. When pulled through, the resin matric will solidify and cure within the die. After this, the cured profile that leaves the die will be left to cool before a reciprocating puller unit is used. The profile will be clamped and pulled through this at a continuous and smooth pull. The final step involves a cut off saw being utilised so the pultruded product is cut at the required length.
As already eluded to, there are many benefits to be gained by making use of pultruded products, such as a pultruded box section. You will reap the rewards of a product that is exceptionally high in strength, yet is surprisingly lightweight considering. You may expect pultruded products to be expensive, but that is certainly not the case. In fact, it is not uncommon for 80 to 90 per cent of the pultrusion cost to be the actual cost of the raw material.
In addition to this, you will benefit from a material that required very little labour, while you can be sure of consistent quality too. Pultruded products are characterised by their high fibre content, which is where the unrivalled levels of strength come from, with standard pultrusions boasting a fibre content of 70 per cent by weight and 50 per cent by volume.
All in all, hopefully you now have a better understanding of what to expect when purchasing a pultruded box section. Reap the rewards of improved strength and quality.