Fiberglass Tanks Key Terms

Learn how to determine quality products by learning fiberglass tanks key terms

By Apryl Beverly

Design engineers and business professionals who purchase fiberglass tanks should have a basic understanding of key terms used to describe materials and methods used in manufacturing these products. Fiberglass tanks can be just as durable as metallic tanks for a fraction of the cost. A few primary factors to consider when making decisions about fiberglass tanks include quality and price of the product.

Glass fiber forms

Glass fiber forms refers to how glass fibers are manufactured. There are three primary forms of glass fibers: continuous roving, reinforcing mats and surface veils. Each form uses a different application method.
Try: Find out more about glass fiber forms by visiting Fiberglass Tank & Pipe Institute.

Resins

Resins are a primary component of fiberglass tanks. The primary type of resin used in fiberglass tanks is thermoplastic resin. Thermoplastics are durable because they can't be re-melted.
Try: Read more about resins at Texas Fiberglass Waste Water Tanks.

Hand lay-up

Hand lay-up is a method in which fiberglass tanks are created manually. This process is typically used for small jobs and involves molding fiberglass and applying resin by hand. This process can also be called contact molding.
Try: Find out more about the hand lay-up process for manufacturing fiberglass tanks at Arrowhead.

Chop spray

Chop spray is a way to manufacture fiberglass tanks that involves feeding fiberglass into a chopper gun. The chopper gun cuts the fiberglass into strands which are sprayed onto a mold with resin.
Try: Learn more about the chop spray method by visiting Palmer Mfg.

Filament winding

Filament winding in a fiberglass tank manufacturing process requires the use of a rotating mandrel to wrap multiple strands of fiberglass. This method is usually used in combination with the chop spray process.
Try: Find out more about filament winding at Southwest Fiberglass.

Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP)

Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) includes a range of manufacturing methods used to create non-metallic products with many of the advantages of metallic parts. FRP methods combine glass reinforcements with thermoset and thermoplastic resin systems.
Try: Read more about FRP at Bedford Plastics.