FRP – Fibreglass Grating

Why do some people call it FRP Grating and others say its Fibreglass?

Don’t be fooled FRP grating and fibreglass grating are the same thing. FRP stands for Fibreglass Reinforced Plastic. Some may even venture to say their product is some space age flexible and stronger formula. The facts are, any products or materials using glass fibre strands, glass cloth or tape and held together with resins, either polyester, vinylester isophthalic are all composites. Manufactured with the inclusion of self extinguishing fire retardant resins, the anti slip surface integrated with quartz silica granules will provide years of anti slip surface. FRP Grating and Stair Treads are strong and long lasting anti-slip stair treads.

FRP Grating has excellent resistance to a vast range of Corrosive Chemicals, which makes it an ideal product for use in environments where Rust, Saline and Acids are prevalent. Made of Reinforced Fibreglass Plastic it’s incredible strength makes it a first choice for Access Walkways in Heavy Industry including Mining, Refineries & Marine environments. FRP Grating will still be there decades later when most other anti slip stair tread materials will need to be replaced. This feature alone is a huge labour cost saving when replacing older type conventional anti slip stair treads. To maximise these features and advantages it is best to have the structure engineered or designed with the use of anti slip fibreglass grating in mind. Fibreglass grating and stair treads are  strong and highly durable products used for non-slip stair nosings and platforms in slippery and corrosive environments. Structural FRP has the strength of steel but only a fraction of the weight, a great advantage when weight of material is an issue. Our Non Slip Treads can be cut into various types of custom sizes to fit all types of stair tread specifications. The leading edge of steps can be made to stand out using a separate colour to help differentiate the edge of the steps when moving down any access steps

FRP Grating is widely used through the industry as a rust-proof alternative to welded and galvanised grid-mesh. Amco can supply FRP grating for a range of situations – both for stair treads, platforms and landings.

FRP grating is available in a variety of depths, from 13mm thick to over 50mm thick. Standard sizes are 25mm and 38mm deep.

Amco also provides a bracket and mounting kit with FRP grating and treads if requested. We can cut treads and landing to size, or we are able to provide full size sheets for you to cut onsite.

FAQ

Is it possible that some gratings are stronger than others?

Yes – technically. Different grating manufacturers use a various number of layers of glass fibres in their product. The more glass fibres in the product, the stronger it will be. Typically, cheaper grating only has a few layer of glass fibres, and is therefore of lesser strength (as is mainly a lot of resin and lacks the thicker spine of glass) – whereas stronger grating with extra fibres used will be of a higher $ value.

What resins do I need?

Isopthalic resins are popular and cost effective. They are resistant to acids, weak bases, and hydrocarbons such as gasoline and oil.

Vinyl Ester resins are more shock and heat resistant than Isopthalic resins, still with the same resistance properties of an Isopthatlic resin. Vinyl Ester resin will stand temperatures up to 120°c

Is FRP grating stronger then steel?

This is a very ambiguous question. FRP and Steel come in different configurations, and steel has a variety of grades as well. Size for they are similar, however FRP is only ¼ the weight. FRP grating is stronger than steel grating, as grating will only bear weight over one direction, whereas FRP bears weight over two.

What’s it like to work with?

Not great! Its fairly dusty, so wear goggle and a dust mask, but other than that it’s very simple. It’s a lot easier to work with than steel actually, plus you don’t need hot-works permits to carryout onsite work!