PPG doubles fine fibre production

Seasafe adds Gator-Grate PULTRUDED grating maker Seasafe Inc of Lafayette, Florida, USA, is expanding its product range with the acquisition of a manufacturer of moulded grating. The firm reports that it completed the asset purchase of Fowler Fibreglass Grating of Atlantic Beach, Florida, the maker of Gator-Grate grating, in December 1996. Seasafe says that the combined product ranges will form an outstanding package to offer distribu-

Solochart

contributes

PATTERN and tool making specialist Solochart, says that it has been invited to join a taskforce investigating computer systems for the application of resin transfer moulding (RTM). Solochart’s experience will contribute towards improving standards and penetrating higher volume markets. The company has 17 years experience of pattern making, model making and resin tool making. The company produces general reinforced products for the composites and leisure

FRP tubes

for food contact. The antislip surface of Gator-Grate is available in a traditional concave meniscus top or an embedded grit where the resin is flooded around the silica particles during the final stage of panel manufacture. The embedded grit resists chipping and chemical attack much better than epoxy grit attachment methods, says Seasafe.

Seasafe

Inc; tel: fax:

318-234-5059; 318-2347758.

+ l+ l-

to RTM project

industries, including theme parks. Part of its expertise lies in the ability to create one-offs and low series production runs. The firm has recently produced internal carriages for monorail systems which have been exported to Malaysia and other overseas markets. Its role in the European Craft Consortium will be contributing its knowledge to help develop a flexible, neural-based computer system which will facilitate the application of RTM technology. Managing

director, Paul Haggett, says: “This project will eventually enable moulders of thermosetting composites to improve productivity and penetrate higher volume markets. We are pleased that our knowledge and experience will be central to the project’s success.” The project, which commenced in October 1996, will run for two years.

Paul Haggett, Solochart Ltd; tel: + 44-1926640600; fax: + 44- 1926 64 1698.

can give strength to concrete

THE CONCRETE structures section at the UK’s Building Research Establishment (BRE) is working with Southampton University to produce design guidance on the use of fibre reinforced plastics (FRP) to enhance the compressive strength characteristics of concrete.

Reinforced

tors and representatives both domestically and internationally. The platforms, walkways, stairways and mezzanines fabricated by Seasafe can use either pultruded or moulded grating depending on the application and customer requirement. Gator-Grate is available in wide range of resin systems from isophthalic polyester flame retardant and vinyl ester flame retardant to extra flame retardant and resin approved

to its range

Plastics February 1997

According to the BRE’s newsletter the work is part of a programme on the use of advanced techniques and materials in construction. FRP tubes can be used to provide confinement to concrete, greatly increasing the effective compressive strength of the

concrete contained within the tubes. The tubes can be left as permanent framework which is said to give the potential for providing efficient construction of aesthetically pleasing slender columns.

Surendra Arora/ Richard Moss, BRE; tel: t 44- 1923- 664554.

Gwil expands production A THREEFOLD expansion of polyester resin and gelcoat production is now complete at Gwil Industries in Canada. The expansion, of the firm’s plant in Kelowna, British Columbia, will allow it to pursue new opportunities for gel-coat and resin in the North American and overseas markets, says Gwil. The firm manufactures a full range of gel-coats and resins.

Jim Sidwell, Gwil Industries; tel: + 1-604438-1341; fax: + 1-604438- 734 7.

PPG doubles fine

fibre production WORLDWIDE production capacity for chopped DE fibres at PPG is to double as the result of an expansion of its plant in Hoogezand, the Netherlands. Chopped DE fibres, also know as fine fibre reinforcement products, are used in production of ftbre glass wet-laid mats, filters and friction materials, and as an asbestos replacement. According to Cliff Watkins, marketing director for thermoplastic reinforcements, this moves signifies PPG’s commitment to the fine fibre reinforcement market. “We have repositioned chopped DE products within our global product portfolio in an effort to support the industry’s growth and ensure its long-term viability, he says.”

Bran J. Tanski, PPG Industries Fibre Glass; tel: + I-412-434-3062.