PULTRUSION AND PULLWINDING
Thanks to its unique design and production capabilities, Top Glass has been producing TRIGLASS® composite profiles using pultrusion and pullwinding technologies for over 50 years. Our profiles are of constant section, have no length limits, can be of large - up to 1500 mm in width - or small sizes, and have a simple or complex/customized design.
PULTRUSION: THE PRODUCTION PROCESS
Pultrusion (from the English words: pull + extrusion) is a technology that is the equivalent of extrusion applied, in this case, to composite/fiberglass material, a continuous process which is ideal for high-volume industrial production adapted for making constant section straight profiles without length limits. Traditional pultrusion technology produces unique results that are aimed at users who need composite profiles with high performance in a longitudinal or lengthwise direction.
1 - IMPREGNATION STATION
The production process involves bringing together reinforcing fibres, according to the specified requirements of the process and final product. This occurs through in an impregnation station.At this stage, the fibres come into contact with a polymer matrix containing the base resin, additives, catalysts, pigments and mineral fillers and are thoroughly impregnated with them.
2 - PROFILE CONFIGURATION
The sequence requires that the impregnated fibres go through an area where they are preformed, taking on the structural configuration and final shape of the desired profile section.
3 - INSERTION INTO MOULD
The preformed material passes into a heated mould where a polymerization reaction occurs. This generates a transition into a polymer matrix phase going from liquid to solid.
4/5 - PULTRUSION AND CUT
Once in a solid state, a pulling mechanism grips the profile area by means of special devices and directs it continuously to the last station, which cuts the profile according to a predefined length.
PULLWINDING
Pullwinding technology is used for producing tubular profiles with superior rigidity and mechanical resistance. Pullwinding, used to create tubes, differs from traditional pultrusion in that it uses both roving placed longitudinally and circumferentially with respect to the profile's axis in order to obtain superior rigidity.
