Fiberglass Molding
Fiberglass molding represents the process of shaping fiberglass products using a hollowed form. Molding with liquid material produces plastic, glass, ceramic, rubber, silicone, elastomer, and metal parts. Fiberglass molding can also be created when solid materials are pressed into a die form. Fiberglass molding comprises many different processes, including compression molding, blow molding, rotational molding, injection molding, thermoforming and dip molding.
Since its introduction, fiberglass has been used as a reinforcing agent for plastics and as insulation in buildings, homes, stoves, refrigerators, furnaces, and more. Fiberglass molding is used in applications that demand low weight, high strength, and scratch-resistant performance. Many boat hulls, go-kart bodies, large storage tanks, and automobile parts are created using parts formed through fiberglass molding.
The three main methods of fiberglass molding are open molding, closed molding, and centrifugal molding. In open molding, a layer of gel coat is applied and cured in a one-piece mold or structure. After being layered into the mold, the fiberglass and sprayed resin are allowed to cure. During closed molding, in contrast, the initial gel coat is applied in a two-part mold. Fibers in the form of chopped fibers or laminated sheets are sprayed or placed in the female part of the mold on top of the gel coat. The part cures after being sealed in the mold by a vacuum and having catalyzed resin injected into the pressurized mold.
In centrifugal molding, the gel coat is applied to the sides of a spinning cylindrical mold. Layer by layer, catalyzed resins saturated with short fibers are sprayed into the mold until the desired thickness is reached. Centrifugal molding is used to form cylindrical products, such as pipes and tanks. In all three processes, the end products are finished by being demolded and trimmed.