Fiberglass for auto. Repair of the body with fiberglass

An increasing popularity in modern construction is acquired by innovative composite materials. What is a fiberglass for a car and why it has become so widespread? These issues are quite relevant at the present time.

A modern composite is a material that consists of a number of components. Simply put, it is not a monolithic substance, but a mixture of the most diverse elements. Composite consists of a matrix, which is a plastic base, filled with layers of a large number of materials.

What is the advantage of fiberglass for cars in front of all other modern materials? First of all, it is very durable and tough, but at the same time quite light and elastic material. Fiberglass quantitatively and qualitatively exceeds each of the components. If composites are used in the automotive industry, the construction will acquire excellent mechanical properties, and this in no way will affect its weight.

Fiberglass and epoxy resin

When combining the above components, one of the best modern composites is obtained - GRP. Currently, it is the most popular and common material that is used in automotive systems.

Some time ago, most of the most diverse parts were made of metal or plastic. But, as practice shows, time and criticism could not stand either one or the other material. All products made of metal, differed a lot of weight and often went out of order due to corrosion processes, but the fiberglass body proved itself only from the positive side, even with prolonged use, rust is completely excluded. As for plastics, it is, on the contrary, too brittle, fragile and unable to withstand significant loads, but is characterized by a low weight. The discovery of fiberglass all dramatically changed.

Internal structure of fiberglass

The modern fiberglass material is epoxy fiberglass, the basis of which is the filler made of cloth, treated with resin. The frame of the material creates the fiber, which also corresponds to the quality level of the part made of fiberglass. The main criteria of this substance are the degree of resistance to bending or rupture and the level of strength.

Epoxy resin is a binder component. It determines the operational properties of fiberglass, for example, anticorrosion resistance, thermal conductivity, elasticity and dielectric parameters. Fiberglass and epoxy form a unique structure that allows you to have so many advantages over all other materials.

Technology of production of epoxy fiberglass

Industrial production of fiberglass is carried out either in one or two stages. When carrying out the technological process, the glass fibers are drawn directly from the molten glass mass. If the production of the material is carried out in two stages, first small parts of the melted glass or the original glass balls are made. They are melted, after which resin is added to the resulting glass cloth. Thanks to this technology, the fiberglass bumper is much stronger than plastic.

Material Advantages

Glass fiber has many important advantages over all other similar materials. Consider these:

• Water resistance;
• Light weight;
• Simplicity of laying;
• Resistance to environmental influences;
• Cost (by choosing fiberglass, the price of which is about 100 rubles per 1 square meter, you significantly reduce the cost of repairing the car) ;
• High level of thermal insulation;
• Long service life - up to 50 years;
• Low degree of thermal conductivity;
• Quick installation.

Fiberglass is widely used in various fields. Nevertheless, the main application of this material found in automotive systems. Here, it produces a body, a bumper and other details.

Technology of repair work

Fiberglass for cars is the most suitable material, especially if it is necessary to perform body repair. For this work, the main thing is to follow the technology exactly.

1. The body must be cleaned of paint, for this you can use a special wash.
2. After that, a piece of fiberglass is cut out, the dimensions of which must correspond to the damaged site.
3. The next stage will be the preparation of epoxy resin. It is necessary to select a special container, add hardener and mix well.
4. The damaged place on the body is treated with resin.
5. After that, the glass fiber is glued and again covered with resin. This process is very long, since it is necessary to thoroughly process the entire surface.
6. The final touch is the final impregnation with resin using a roller chaotic movements.

Fiberglass Features

Many drivers prefer to experiment independently with fiberglass, making new parts out of it. However, it is rather difficult to form it. For this, it is recommended to use glass mats. Such a process does not require large investments. Fiberglass (price, we repeat, - from 100 rubles) is often treated with gelcoat, the cost of which does not exceed 400 r. For one kilogram. Apply it with a brush or spray gun, and then form the necessary plane.

Why fiberglass?

Currently, most manufacturers offer consumers fiberglass for cars of different brands, based on their functional purpose. In the modern construction market, this material is a worthy competition to other species that until recently had firmly held leading positions, for example, glass, concrete, metals and their alloys, ceramics and wood. In terms of their basic characteristics and properties, none of these materials are comparable to glass fibers.

Thanks to its use, the car parts acquire high strength: if the machine is constantly used in winter, its parts made of fiberglass can safely withstand different climatic conditions. It should be added that this material, like stainless steel, does not lend itself to rotting or corrosion. It is thanks to his invention, a unique opportunity to extend the life of cars for several decades, because such parts for a long period of time do not require any anti-corrosion treatment.