Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) has become a ubiquitous material across various industries, valued for its exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and lightweight properties. It is easy to fabricate on site, which means your team should understand the right methods for cutting FRP.
Here is a tip from Fibergrate Regional Sales Manager, Dave Anderson, “I recommend using a diamond-tipped saw blade. It’s going to give you a cleaner cut with less dust.”
Hand saws can be used for smaller cuts, but they may be time-consuming and may not always produce the cleanest cuts. Circular saws equipped with diamond-tipped blades are often the preferred method for cutting FRP. Diamond-tipped blades provide cleaner cuts with less chipping or fraying.
When using power tools, always wear appropriate safety equipment, including dust masks, ear protection, and eye protection. Ensure a stable work area and maintain proper balance while operating the saw.
Other cutting methods, such as waterjet cutting and laser cutting, offer precision and can cut complex shapes with ease; however, these advanced methods may be more expensive than traditional methods like circular saws. Waterjet cutting utilizes high-pressure water jets to cut through the material while laser cutting employs a focused laser beam. For the vast majority of fiberglass reinforced plastic projects, this level of high-performance equipment simply isn’t necessary.
For more on tools and the cutting process, check out How to Cut Fiberglass Grating: Your Quick Guide.
Safety should always be a top priority when working with fiberglass reinforced plastic. FRP cutting generates dust that can contain fine glass fibers. According to a National Library of Medicine report, inhaling FRP dust can irritate the respiratory system. Implementing dust control measures such as using dust collection systems or working in well-ventilated areas is important to minimize exposure. According to Anderson, “It’s good to have someone standing by with a shop vac to suck up the dust, and ideally you want to cut FRP outdoors to reduce the chances of inhaling the dust.”
Fiber release can also occur during cutting. Wearing appropriate respiratory protection, such as an N95 respirator, is a good idea to minimize inhalation of fibers. Minimizing fiber release can be achieved by using sharp blades and applying masking tape to the cutting line to contain fibers.
Fibergrate designs many of its FRP products with on-site cutting and installation in mind. Fibertred® Molded Treads, for example, incorporate pre-molded cutting channels for easy customization during installation. These channels provide guidance for accurate cuts and ensure clean, consistent results.
Tips for Achieving Clean and Accurate Cuts:
Sealing the cut edges prevents moisture intrusion, protects against delamination, and enhances chemical resistance. It also creates a smoother, more finished appearance, minimizes fiber exposure, and helps protect against UV degradation. Therefore, using an FRP sealing and bonding kit to properly seal cut edges is crucial for maintaining its integrity and performance.
Refer to Fibergrate's Fabrication Guide for detailed instructions on sealing procedures and recommended sealants.
By following the guidelines outlined in this blog post and implementing the appropriate safety precautions, you can ensure clean, accurate, and safe fabrication.
Contact Fibergrate today to learn more about FRP fabrication techniques or to discuss your specific project requirements.
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