Pultrusion (thermosetting plastics)

Question 1

Define pultrusion

Answer 1

In pultrusion, fibres (glass, carbon) are pulled through thermoset resin, heated, cooled and cut

Question 2

What types of products are manufactured by pultrusion?

Answer 2

Strong, light , hard-wearing products with uniform cross-section such as skis, ski poles, fishing rods, golf clubs, pipes, aircraft parts, farming parts, industrial flooring, fibreglass

Question 3

Explain the 3 step process of pultrusion

Answer 3

1. Fibres (e.g. glass or carbon) are formed into a long shape and pulled through a bath of thermoset resin.
2. The fibre resin is heated and compressed, allowed to set (cure), cooled and cut.
3. Adding fibres to thermoset plastics make a strong and lightweight product.