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Q. How does FRP handle hot and cold temperatures?
A. Temperatures must be taken into consideration during the structural design process.
Refer to the S.O.P.L Design Manual for a chart showing changes in mechanical properties as
the temperatures reach 125 degrees Fahrenheit and higher. Cold temperatures are generally
of little concern unless below -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q. What is the service life of SOPL materials?
A. The service life of any particular product depends on the application in which it is
installed. Generally speaking, SOPL customers have reported products that are still in use
after years of active service.
Q. How does FRP compare to stainless steel in price?
A. S.O.P.L’s FRP materials are normally less than the cost of stainless steel.
Q. How does FRP compare to carbon steel in price?
A. S.O.P.L’s FRP materials are generally more expensive than steel when comparing
material costs. However, when factoring in installation, handling, transportation and
other associated expenses, the total installed cost of FRP is more competitive to carbon
steel.
Q. How does FRP compare to aluminum in price?
A. S.O.P.L’s FRP materials are usually priced competitively with aluminum and the total
installed cost generally makes FRP a more price competitive choice than aluminum.
Q. How does FRP compare to wood in price?
A. S.O.P.L’s FRP materials cannot compete with wood on price alone. Customers
considering using FRP in place of wood should evaluate the strength, rot resistance and
overall performance requirements for the application and choose the best material
accordingly.Q. Can we provide pre engineered and fabricated materials?
A. Yes, S.O.P.L has in-house engineers, estimators, drafters and fabrication services
available. The S.O.P.L Design Manual is available to assist outside engineers in the
design/built process.
Q. Can pultruded profiles be customized for specific applications where corrosion
and/or ultraviolet radiation are a concern?
A. Yes. S.O.P.L has a Corrosion Resistance Guide to help you with these types of
applications. For customized profiles or specific end-use applications, please contact
S.O.P.L for assistance in the profile design. Various types of resins and surfacing veils
can be considered to enhance corrosion protection.
Q. Can I customize the color of a pultruded composite shape?
A. Yes. S.O.P.L has a variety of standard color offerings from which to choose. Other
colors can be developed with our pigment suppliers and sampled to the customer for
approval. S.O.P.L designs to ball park color, using the Pantone Color Formula Guide,
customer submitted samples showing desired color, and other sources. When considering
color, it is important to note that various types of resins, reinforcements and synthetic
veils may affect the final profile color.
Color matching can be done but it takes a significant lead-time and usually results in
several attempts to match a color. Cost of color matches are dependant on the color and
the estimated amount of engineering and machine time required to achieve the desired or
approved color.
Q. What is the surface quality of a composite profile?
A. The surface quality of a composite profile can be altered in many ways. S.O.P.L can
alter the surface of the profile by resin type, synthetic veil choice, reinforcement type,
profile coating, etc. During the design review process, we will help you to determine the
type of surface quality you need for your specific application.
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