When purchasing FRP pultruded grating, you do need to carefully consider multiple factors to ensure that you buy a safe, durable product that is suitable for a specific purpose. Here are the most important considerations for your reference:
1. Clarify the use requirements and environment (most important!)
Specific use: Is it used for walkway platforms, trench covers, stair treads, work platforms, fences, equipment supports, or other? Different uses have very different requirements for load-bearing, anti-slip, etc.
Load requirements:
Static load: The maximum long-term unchanging weight that needs to be borne (such as equipment, storage).
Dynamic load: The maximum moving weight that needs to be borne (such as people walking, forklifts, trolleys). The supplier must be clearly informed of the expected load level and span (support spacing) so that they can recommend the appropriate thickness and structure.
Environmental factors:
Corrosiveness: What chemicals will be exposed (acids, alkalis, solvents, salt spray, etc.)? What is the concentration and temperature? This directly determines the type of resin required.
Temperature range: What is the maximum and minimum operating temperature? High or low temperatures will affect material performance.
UV exposure: Is it exposed to the sun for a long time? This determines whether it is necessary to add UV stabilizers or choose resins with better weather resistance.
Others: Humidity, contact with oil, fire protection requirements, etc.
2. Key material specifications
Resin type: This is the core of corrosion resistance.
Orthophthalic polyester resin: The lowest cost, general corrosion resistance, suitable for mildly corrosive environments (such as ordinary water vapor, weak acids and weak bases).
Isophthalic polyester resin: The most commonly used, cost-effective, corrosion resistance and temperature resistance are better than orthophthalic resin, suitable for most chemical, water treatment, offshore platforms and other moderately corrosive environments.
Vinyl ester resin: The best corrosion resistance, especially strong acid, strong alkali and solvent resistance, better temperature resistance, suitable for strong corrosion and high temperature environments (such as electroplating plants, key areas of chemical plants, pulp mills). The highest cost.
Special resin: Such as flame retardant resin (with flame retardant added), food grade resin (in compliance with relevant certifications), etc., select as needed.
Glass fiber type and content: Usually alkali-free untwisted roving is used. The glass fiber content (usually should be above 35%) directly affects the strength and modulus (rigidity) of the grille. Too low a content will result in insufficient strength.
Grille specifications:
Thickness: It is one of the most important factors determining the load-bearing capacity (25mm, 30mm, 38mm, 50mm, etc. are common). It must be determined according to the load and span.
Grid size/hole size: Common ones are 38x38mm, 50x50mm, etc. Small holes are good at preventing small objects from falling, but are easy to accumulate dirt; large holes are light-transmitting and ventilated, easy to clean, but may not be suitable for occasions that need to prevent small objects or require high anti-slip properties.
Width and length: Standard board sizes are usually fixed lengths (such as 1.22m x 3.66m, 1m x 4m, etc.), but customization is also supported. Consider the convenience of transportation, handling and installation.
3. Surface treatment and safety performance
Surface type: Pultruded gratings usually have several surfaces:
Smooth surface: The lowest cost, but poor anti-slip performance, only suitable for non-walkway areas or dry environments.
Sand surface: The most common, evenly distributed fine sand grains are pressed in the mold to provide good dry and wet anti-slip performance.
Sanded cover: A layer of sand-containing resin is covered on the surface of the grating to provide the best anti-slip performance, especially suitable for slippery environments such as oil, moisture, and slopes. The highest cost.
Rhombus pattern/groove surface: Provides good anti-slip and self-cleaning properties.
Anti-fall performance: If there is a space for people to move under the grating (such as a platform or walkway), its anti-fall performance as a "floor" must be considered. Make sure that the grating itself and the way it is fixed to the supporting structure can withstand the specified impact load. Thicker gratings or specific fixings may be required.
4. Manufacturer qualifications and quality control
Manufacturer reputation and experience: Choose a manufacturer with a good reputation in the industry and rich production experience. Small workshop products may have hidden dangers in raw materials, processes, and quality control.
Production standards: Understand the production standards implemented by the manufacturer (such as national standards, industry standards, or international standards).
Quality certification: Check whether it has passed ISO 9001 and other quality management system certifications.
Test report: Require third-party test reports on key performance,
Resin content
Glass fiber content
Mechanical properties test (bending strength, bending modulus)
Fire rating test report (if required)
Warranty: Understand the warranty period and scope provided by the manufacturer. Regular manufacturers usually provide a warranty of 1-5 years for material properties and processes.
5. Price and cost-effectiveness
Don't just look at the lowest unit price: FRP grille is a typical product of "you get what you pay for". Too low a price often means cutting corners (such as using inferior resin, recycled materials, reducing glass fiber content, reducing thickness, insufficient curing, etc.), resulting in low product strength, easy deformation, poor corrosion resistance, short life, and even safety accidents.
Comprehensive evaluation: Combine material cost, service life, maintenance cost, and safety risk to evaluate the total cost of ownership. Although the initial investment of high-quality gratings is slightly higher, it is safer and more economical to use in the long run.
6. Installation and maintenance
lnstallation accessories: Confirm whether it includes or requires additional purchase of fixing clips (M-type, U-type, etc.), connectors, support beams and other installation accessories. Ask the manufacturer for recommended installation methods and spacing.
Cutting and opening: Understand the requirements for on-site cutting and opening (use special tools to avoid delamination, and the edges need to be sealed with resin for corrosion protection after cutting).
Maintenance requirements: High-quality pultruded gratings are basically maintenance-free. Just rinse with water on a daily basis. Avoid using strong acid and alkali cleaning agents or metal brushes to scrub vigorously.
Summarize key action points
Define the requirements in detail: purpose, load (static/dynamic), span, environment (corrosive media, temperature, UV).
Choose materials according to requirements: focus on choosing the right resin type (isophenylene or vinyl ester) and sufficient thickness.
Clarify safety requirements: surface anti-slip type (sand surface or sand cover), anti-fall requirements.
Choose reliable suppliers: look at qualifications, experience, quality assurance, and be sure to ask for key performance test reports.
Focus on quality rather than the lowest price: be wary of too low a quote and comprehensively evaluate long-term costs.
Communicate installation details: confirm accessories, installation methods and precautions.
Hi, this is a comment.
To get started with moderating, editing, and deleting comments, please visit the Comments screen in the dashboard.
Commenter avatars come from Gravatar.