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Coil spring resists fatigue
applications news
Pultruded windows ‘more elegant’
The GRP window on the right has a noticeably narrower frame to the one from the 1980s (left). This gives a more elegant appearance and lets more light into the room.
PULTRUDED glass reinforced plastic (GRP) profiles from Danish company Fiberline are enabling the production of windows with both narrow frames and excellent insulation. The windows are designed by Danish window manufacturer Pro-Tec Vinduer AS and architect Friis & Moltke AS. The strength and rigidity of pultruded profiles allow the production of narrower and more complex frames than are possible with other materials. Pro-Tec says its windows will prevent condensation and reduce heating bills, and installation will be easier as the windows weigh as much as 25% less than those made of traditional materials. One of the main advantages is that GRP offers much greater insulation than traditional materials used for window frames. This will significantly reduce the amount of heat lost from the inside of a building through the frame, say the developers. In Denmark, nearly half of the energy used to heat
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REINFORCEDplastics
new buildings is thought to disappear through poorly insulated windows and doors. The frames provide a greater level of insulation than is required by current regulations and are expected to comply with a future tightening of Danish and EU building laws. Using GRP means the window frames cannot rot and the long service life is said to be particularly suited to fluctuating weather conditions such as those found in north and central Europe. The frames can be painted as required, and paint is said to adhere well to the surface so it will not peel. The windows were developed as part of a wider project to improve existing buildings, and are designed to replace older windows that have deteriorated or were badly fitted. The first windows are expected to be on the market by the end of this year. Bjarne Haulrik, Pro-Tec Vinduer AS; tel: +45-9741-3077; Peter K. Jensen, Fiberline Composites; tel: +45-7632-7786.
April 2005
Thermoplastics make rods stronger FULCRUM Composites says its thermoplastic threaded products are stronger and more resistant to chemical attack than rods made using thermoset resins. Fulcrum says its products overcome many of the performance problems associated with existing composite threaded rods, offering significantly higher strength and greater elongation to failure. The rods are said to offer low weight, excellent corrosion resistance, electrical insulation, electromagnetic transparency and low thermal conductivity. Typical applications include joints in composite structures used in chemical plants, water treatment, air pollution control, electronic towers, cryogenic equipment, marine, transport and infrastructure. Because the rods are made using a thermoplastic, they can be thermoformed to produce high strength U-bolts and hanging straps. A hollow version is available for very low weight
Thermoformed Fulcrum rods can be used as high strength U-bolts.
applications or where cables need routing or protecting. The threaded rod is produced using a process which combines thermoplastic pultrusion, extrusion, and moulding/ forming. Fibres in the rod do not have to be cut as they do with threaded rods made with thermoset composites, says Fulcrum. With no fibre ends exposed to chemical attack, the threads are are said to be much stronger with better chemical resistance. Fulcrum Composites; website: www.fulcrum.com.
Coil spring resists fatigue A COMPOSITE coil spring developed by Swiss company Icotec promises to offer excellent damping, and resistance to fatigue and corrosion. Made using the company’s Composite Flow Moulding
Icotec’s thermoplastic composite coil spring.
(CFM) technology, the spring is an endless fibre reinforced thermoplastic with a fibre content of at least 60%. Springs are made using either glass or carbon fibres. Produced in a single process step, the springs are said to offer a high level of resistance to fatigue, corrosion resistance even in aggressive environments, and excellent damping. Potential applications include use in valves in the chemical and food processing industries, light weight engineering and actuators in aerospace. Icotec AG; website: www. icotec.ch.
Pultruded windows ‘more elegant’
The GRP window on the right has a noticeably narrower frame to the one from the 1980s (left). This gives a more elegant appearance and lets more light into the room.
PULTRUDED glass reinforced plastic (GRP) profiles from Danish company Fiberline are enabling the production of windows with both narrow frames and excellent insulation. The windows are designed by Danish window manufacturer Pro-Tec Vinduer AS and architect Friis & Moltke AS. The strength and rigidity of pultruded profiles allow the production of narrower and more complex frames than are possible with other materials. Pro-Tec says its windows will prevent condensation and reduce heating bills, and installation will be easier as the windows weigh as much as 25% less than those made of traditional materials. One of the main advantages is that GRP offers much greater insulation than traditional materials used for window frames. This will significantly reduce the amount of heat lost from the inside of a building through the frame, say the developers. In Denmark, nearly half of the energy used to heat
4
REINFORCEDplastics
new buildings is thought to disappear through poorly insulated windows and doors. The frames provide a greater level of insulation than is required by current regulations and are expected to comply with a future tightening of Danish and EU building laws. Using GRP means the window frames cannot rot and the long service life is said to be particularly suited to fluctuating weather conditions such as those found in north and central Europe. The frames can be painted as required, and paint is said to adhere well to the surface so it will not peel. The windows were developed as part of a wider project to improve existing buildings, and are designed to replace older windows that have deteriorated or were badly fitted. The first windows are expected to be on the market by the end of this year. Bjarne Haulrik, Pro-Tec Vinduer AS; tel: +45-9741-3077; Peter K. Jensen, Fiberline Composites; tel: +45-7632-7786.
April 2005
Thermoplastics make rods stronger FULCRUM Composites says its thermoplastic threaded products are stronger and more resistant to chemical attack than rods made using thermoset resins. Fulcrum says its products overcome many of the performance problems associated with existing composite threaded rods, offering significantly higher strength and greater elongation to failure. The rods are said to offer low weight, excellent corrosion resistance, electrical insulation, electromagnetic transparency and low thermal conductivity. Typical applications include joints in composite structures used in chemical plants, water treatment, air pollution control, electronic towers, cryogenic equipment, marine, transport and infrastructure. Because the rods are made using a thermoplastic, they can be thermoformed to produce high strength U-bolts and hanging straps. A hollow version is available for very low weight
Thermoformed Fulcrum rods can be used as high strength U-bolts.
applications or where cables need routing or protecting. The threaded rod is produced using a process which combines thermoplastic pultrusion, extrusion, and moulding/ forming. Fibres in the rod do not have to be cut as they do with threaded rods made with thermoset composites, says Fulcrum. With no fibre ends exposed to chemical attack, the threads are are said to be much stronger with better chemical resistance. Fulcrum Composites; website: www.fulcrum.com.
Coil spring resists fatigue A COMPOSITE coil spring developed by Swiss company Icotec promises to offer excellent damping, and resistance to fatigue and corrosion. Made using the company’s Composite Flow Moulding
Icotec’s thermoplastic composite coil spring.
(CFM) technology, the spring is an endless fibre reinforced thermoplastic with a fibre content of at least 60%. Springs are made using either glass or carbon fibres. Produced in a single process step, the springs are said to offer a high level of resistance to fatigue, corrosion resistance even in aggressive environments, and excellent damping. Potential applications include use in valves in the chemical and food processing industries, light weight engineering and actuators in aerospace. Icotec AG; website: www. icotec.ch.