Fiberglass Cab Design Case Study

6. Design flexibility:

Fiberglass cab be cut in any shape you desire, it give it flexibility in terms of design. It provide greater design flexibility that is limited by traditional materials.

7. Corrosion resistance: Fiberglass has superior weather resistance and is resistant to wide range of chemicals (mild acid and alkali). Aluminum undergo galvanic corrosion. Wood can rot, wrap exposed to water or chemicals. Hence require protective coatings.

8. Hot and cold performance:

Fiberglass performs equally well in both extreme weather conditions. It can resist heat up to 200°F and cold up to 40°F. Aluminum behaviour is comparable to fiberglass. But vinyl becomes brittle in extreme cold conditions and it wrap and soften in extreme heat.

Raw materials include fiberglass (in roving or mat form), unsaturated polyester resin and other additives. Reinforcement i.e. glass fibers is in accordance with mechanical properties of window frames. Polyester resin used because it is cheap and easily available. Resin contain additives like pigments, and initiator. Pigments: Pigment can give different colours to window frame. Hardener: MEKP is mixed with resin, it hardens the resin. Unsaturated polyester resin can be made flame resistant by blending with additive like antimony trioxide and triphenyl phosphate. Fly ash and zinc borate can be added to resin as fire retardant, these materials do not affect the thermal and mechanical properties of the resin. Coupling agent: Coupling agent increase the bond strength between unsaturated polyester resin and glass fiber as a result increase the strength and service life of the

Fiberglass competed other materials due its corrosion resistance, ability to withstand elements under heat and cold, despite of both saltwater and atmospheric pollution it retain attractiveness of its finish with minimum maintenance.

Automotive:

From cars to heavy construction machinery, bodies and bumper, truck beds, armored vehicles include wide range application of fiberglass. Because they are exposed to extreme weather conditions and subjected to wear and tear.

Construction:

Fiberglass is now widely used in construction of bridges. It has replaced steel reinforcement because it has strength comparable to steel but it is corrosion resistant. Due to their strength, light weight and durability it is used in street light poles, hydro transmission towers and street manhole covers. These material are used in formation of suspension bridges instead of steel because if steel is in there manufacturing bridge would under their own weight.

Air craft:

Fiberglass is used to make fuselage, propellers and nose cone of jet. High strength to weight ratio of fiberglass make it suitable for such applications.

Household