For composite materials, there are three main types of plastic used in the manufacture of both products and molds: polyester, vinyl ester and epoxy. We carry a selection of each type of plastic and each has its own benefits and drawbacks that need to be considered before starting any product.
COMPOSITE composites are a combination of fiberglass and unsaturated resins. The physical properties of composites in which the yarn prevails, means that the performance of the finished products is most directly related to the reinforcing material.
For composite materials, there are three main types of plastic used in the manufacture of both products and molds: polyester, vinyl ester and epoxy. We carry a selection of each type of plastic and each has its own benefits and drawbacks that need to be considered before starting any product.
The majority of all fiberglass parts are constructed of polyester resin and this is the most widely used plastic in the composites industry. Polyester resin needs a catalyst to harden, typically methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP). They are naturally UV resistant, are generally considered to be easy to use, cure quickly, withstand temperature and catalyst changes, and are less expensive than epoxy systems.
Many people consider polyester very easy to use because they have a high thixotropic index, which basically does a good job of sticking to vertical surfaces so that the plastic doesn't melt as much when creating parts and molds. They also get wet quickly and easily, and they are easy to mix and use. This is the most common plastic in the synthetic materials industry, which can be used in many practical applications. That said, you can expect to find polyester plastics used in the maritime industry, used for boat hulls and other applications, they are used for general fabrication, automotive applications and for Cheap mold, for waterproofing, repairing cracks, punctures.
While these positives are clearly beneficial for polyester in many applications because it is widely used, there are a few drawbacks that must be considered. For one, polyester does not provide as much corrosion resistance as vinyl ester, or maximum strength as epoxy resin.