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SOLID CONCEPTS INTRODUCES FRP (FIBERGLASS REINFORCED PLASTIC) TO THEIR LINE OF RAPID PROTOTYPING SERVICES

VALENCIA, California - March 27, 2009

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.

About Solid Concepts Inc.


Solid Concepts supplies rapid prototyping, short-run production, tooling and molding services for all industries from aerospace and medical to sports and entertainment. Since 1991, the company has been known as a solutions provider with project management and engineering expertise. Capabilities in PolyJet™ high precision 3D printing, Z-Corp 3D Color Prints, Stereolithography (SLA) models and patterns, Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), CNC models and patterns, QuantumCast™ advanced Cast Urethanes, and Composites manufacturing including Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) and Resin Transfer Molding (RTM), allows for low-volume production of plastic, urethane, and metal components directly from CAD design data. Tooling, Injection Molding, Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) services, and Finished Goods operations make Solid Concepts a one-stop source to bring concepts from prototype to finished product. ISO 9001 and AS9100 certified facilities.

Media Contact

Scott McGowan
T: (661) 295-4400

marketing@solidconcepts.com

28309 Avenue Crocker
Valencia, CA 91355

(888) 311-1017
  • SolidView
    SolidView® software allows you to view, rotate, measure and communicate design intent with non-CAD users—starting with our free 3D CAD viewer—SolidView/Lite.
  • Prototypes
    PolyJet™ & SLA® provide accurate concept models and master patterns in record time. Complete in-house finishing capability for production-like prototypes.
  • SLS & DMLS
    SLS® produces rugged Nylon 11 and Nylon 12 prototype and production parts. DMLS utilizes metal and alloy materials to create strong metal parts without tooling.
  • FDM
    FDM (fused deposition modeling) produces both prototype and production parts from ABS plastic, polycarbonate, and Ultem materials.
  • CNC
    CNC prototypes, parts and master patterns are ideal in applications where the material property or size requirements make other prototyping techniques unsuitable.
  • Cast Urethane
    Cast Urethane (a proprietary advanced casting technology and advanced formula polymers) produce strong pre-production and short-run production components.
  • Composites
    Composites (fiber reinforced plastic) technology produces large, rigid, accurate panels with excellent strength-to-weight ratio and surface finish.
  • Tooling
    Tooling from Solid Concepts provides quick-turn tooling options for Chinese tooling & production, export tooling from China, and domestic tooling, all with domestic project management.
  • Molding
    Molding from Solid Concepts brings you the best of both worlds by providing Chinese pricing and lead times along with Solid Concepts quality and domestic project management.