What is FRP? Fibers, resins, products and processes

Two products described as GFRP can have different strength, stiffness, chemical resistance, fire behavior and cost because glass grade, resin, fiber fraction, orientation and process differ. A useful specification names the performance and environment, then controls the construction that delivers them.

The term fiberglass is sometimes used for both the glass reinforcement and the finished composite. For procurement, separate the fiber, resin, intermediate reinforcement and finished product to avoid ambiguous quotations.

Pultrusion makes constant-section profiles by pulling reinforcement through resin and a heated die. Filament winding places fibers around a rotating mandrel for pipe and vessels. Compression molding shapes SMC/BMC in matched tools. Infusion and hand lamination make larger panels and complex shells. Each process creates a different fiber architecture and commercial model.

Start with geometry, load/function, service environment, applicable standards, quantity, tolerances and evidence. Let qualified suppliers propose a material/process combination, then compare deviations on one controlled sheet.