TROY, MI - Solid Concepts Inc., a supplier of rapid prototyping and direct digital manufacturing services, now offers FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) out of their new Troy, MI facility. FRP is a well established and proven technology used to produce accurate, rigid, large panels with high impact strength.
Sheets of fiberglass are skillfully cut and laminated with proprietary epoxies to offer a variety of desirable properties. Panels are created from a one-sided layup tool where the A side geometry is accurately reproduced. The back, or B side, of the geometry often requires brackets, hinges, boss clusters and/or other hardware. The use of proprietary fixtures allows Solid Concepts to precision locate B-side hardware, providing a much tighter fitting assembly with consistent and level reveals.
FRP panels have exceptional surface finish ideal for single sided cosmetic purposes. Additionally, FRP allows for faster production of large panel parts when compared to the pricier alternative, RIM (Reaction Injection Molding). Although typical application for FRP includes large cosmetic prototype panels for automotive, agricultural, construction and medical industries, the 2009 introduction of UL 94 V0 Fire retardant materials has enticed various other industries to turn to FRP. These panels are light and very tough.
