The FRP Advantage
Wood rots. Steel rusts. Aluminum dents. FRP lasts.
Traditional building materials have their place. But for harsh, corrosive environments, Bedford fiberglass reinforced polymer (FRP) is a smart choice.
Bedford FRP has the strength of steel at a fraction of the weight. It won’t corrode, rot, attract insect damage or conduct electricity. It can be formed into countless profiles to fit your specs. And decades later when those other materials need to be replaced, it will still have plenty of life.
In short, it’s a different way to solve your design challenges — one that can reduce costs and improve performance in the long run. To maximize these benefits, however, it’s best to design with the properties of FRP in mind from the start. Our engineers and fabricators can help, so contact us with your questions.
What is FRP?
Fiberglass-reinforced polymer is one of the strongest and most durable materials in the world.
Bedford manufactures most of its profiles out of fiberglass-reinforced polymers (FRP), also known as “composites,” which are a combination of:
- Resin, such as polyester or vinylester;
- Reinforcements, such as fiberglass roving and mat;
- Additives, such as pigments, UV inhibitors, fire retardant, etc.; and
- Surface veil, which enhances corrosion resistance, UV protection and appearance
These materials work in concert to provide a specific set of strength and performance properties, including:
- Light weight with high strength
- Corrosion and impact resistance
- Dimensional stability
- Electrically nonconductive
- Nonmagnetic and nonsparking
- RF transparency
- Low thermal conductivity
- Rapid installation with standard tools
- Electrically nonconductive
- RF transparency
