Comparison of FRP Material and Traditional Materials

FRP grating, as the alternative material to traditional materials, including carbon steel grating, aluminum grating and timber, is more and more popular all over the world. It has high strength to weight ratio, anti-corrosion and flame retardant performances, which is widely used as walkways, platforms, stair treads, trench covers, ramps and other applications. In the following chart, we will compare the FRP/GRP material with traditional materials, just refer to them and know more benefits of FRP grating.

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GMC-01: FRP grating in platform and stair treads.

FRP grating in platform and stair treads.

GMC-02: Aluminum steel grating in platform and stair treads.

Aluminum steel grating in platform and stair treads.

GMC-03: Galvanized steel grating in stair treads and walkway.

Galvanized steel grating in stair treads and walkway.

GMC-04: Timber material in stair treads applications.

Timber material in stair treads applications.

Comparison of Material Proper Compare FRP/GRP Steel Aluminum Timber Corrosion Resistance Excellent.
It will never corrode during its long service life. Low.
It should be painted or galvanized to improve. Low.
Easy corrosion to galvanic. Anodizing or other coating can improve. Lowest.
Easy rot and warp in moisture, rain, chemicals. Coating can improve. Weight Lightest.
80% lighter than steel and 30% lighter than aluminum. Extremely heavy.
Need heavy lifting gear when installing. Lighter.
About 1/3 weight of steel. Depends.
The weight is depend on size and density. Slip Resistance Excellent.
Grit, strip or convex surface contribute to good slip resistance. Depends.
It has sooth surface for little anti-slip. Some of fabrications can supply this performance. Depends.
It has sooth surface for little anti-slip. Some of fabrications can supply this performance. Little or no.
It has no slip resistance performance. Conductivity Non-conductive.
No need earthing Electrical conductive.
Earthing required. Electrical conductive.
Earthing required. Non-conductive.
No need earthing. Strength High strength-to-weight ratio.
stronger than steel. High strength.
Heavy weight can achieve its high strength property. Low strength. Depends.
The weight is depend on size and density. Impact Resistance High.
Will not permanently deform under impact. Medium to low.
May permanently deform under impact. Low.
Easily deformed under impact. Medium to low.
May permanently deform under impact. Fabrication Easy field fabricated.
Just simple carpenter tools and lighter weight for easy operating. Complex fabrication.
Welding or cutting process. Heavy load is difficult to operate. Complex fabrication.
Welding, brazing, soldering or mechanical joining required. Easily fabricated.
Just simple tools, including jigsaws and circular saws. Maintenance Maintenance free.
It need no maintenance during its 50 years lifespan. low maintenance.
Anti-corrosion treatment make its low maintenance. low maintenance.
Anti-corrosion treatment make its low maintenance. High.
It is easy corrosive, so it spends high costs to maintenance. Cost Low cost.
low cost during installation, maintenance and raw material. Higher cost.
Low in raw material, higher in installation and replace. Low cost.
Low in both raw material and installation. High replace cost. Higher cost.
Low in raw material and installation. But maintenance is high. Ergonomic Good.
Slightly elasticity provides comfortable underfoot. No.
Rigid structure will cause uncomfortable if long time walking. No.
Rigid structure will cause uncomfortable if long time walking. Good.
Provides comfortable underfoot. EMI/RFI Transparency Transparent to EMI/RFI transmission. Interfere with EMI/RFI transmission. Interfere with EMI/RFI transmission. Transparent to EMI/RFI transmission. Aesthetics Pigments added.
Different content pigments added form different colors and transparency. Painted or dyed for colors.
For beauty as well as good corrosion resistance. Painted or dyed for colors.
For beauty as well as good corrosion resistance. Primed and painted for color.
For beauty as well as good corrosion resistance.

 

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Which Grating Type Makes the Most Sense?

McNICHOLS carries a vast inventory of Gratings that is diverse in construction, material, and purpose. With the variety of Grating available, we know determining the right fit for your design and functional needs can be overwhelming. That is where we come in. At McNICHOLS, it is our goal to make your ordering as smooth and simple as possible, so we are eager to share a few tips to make this process seamless for you.

New and creative uses constantly employ Bar Grating, Plank Grating, and Fiberglass Grating. Although walkway applications most frequently utilize them. But how do you determine which of these categories is best suited for your pathway? Below, we will discuss the benefits, usage, and specifications of each category. We hope that this guide will ease your decision-making process and lead you to the perfect Grating for your application.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of heavy duty fiberglass grating. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

BAR GRATING

Many consider Bar Grating an ideal option when they require high levels of strength and durability. Its high-performance yet low-maintenance characteristics function well in rugged and severe environments. When you determine the right Bar Grating item for your project, envisioning exactly how you will use the product is the first helpful step. For example, will your item be carrying heavy vehicular loads, or will it be a walking surface for pedestrian traffic?

In some cases, it may be a uniform load, where the full weight of a machine or object is resting on the entire span of the panel. Sometimes, a concentrated load places stress on the panels, causing a change in the pounds per foot weight capacity compared to a uniform load, as it covers a smaller area in relation to the grating. We always recommend that you consult the correct load table before making your decision.

BAR GRATING CONSTRUCTION TYPE

Once you have the intended application in mind, the next thing to decide is Bar Grating Construction type: either Welded, Heavy-Duty Welded, Swage-Locked, or Press-Locked. Our Welded Bar Grating is durable and versatile and is therefore one of the most popular Bar Grating choices. Heavy-Duty Welded construction offers the highest durability and security, making it a popular choice in areas with vehicular traffic for increased strength and carrying capacity. McNICHOLS manufactures the majority of its Swage-Locked Bar Grating from Aluminum, giving it a high strength-to-weight ratio. The flush surface and closely spaced bearing bars optimize Press-Locked Bar Grating. This low percentage of open area qualifies some Press-Locked items to be ADA-compliant.

Strength, weight, environment, and aesthetics are all factors that will help you determine the primary material, whether it be Aluminum, Carbon Steel, Galvanized Steel, or Stainless Steel. Don't forget to decide whether you would like a Smooth, Serrated, or Grooved surface, depending on your traction needs.

It is important to note that these are just some of the considerations when specifying Bar Grating. Details such as series type, product spacing, bar size and shape, percent open area, and span are key to choosing the right product for your application.

PLANK GRATING

Plank Grating is a popular choice for applications where traction and slip resistance are the highest priorities. When used conventionally, these products provide secure footing on rooftop walkways, catwalks, stairs, and more.  Similar to Bar Grating, keeping your application at the forefront will guide you when choosing the specifications of your item.

For example, consider the environment the item will be installed in. Will your product be in an environment with low temperatures where large portions of ice and snow need to pass through? Knowing such functional needs will help direct you to the Plank Grating item that will perform best in your final application.

PLANK GRATING CONSTRUCTION TYPE

Construction types for Plank Grating include Plank and Walkway (both available in Heavy-Duty options), Interlocking, and Extruded Interlocking. Our standard Plank Grating is a one-piece construction flooring product that has aggressive serrations, raised buttons, or other slip-resistant surface features. It is frequently found in applications that will be exposed to inclement and harsh weather, as its characteristic openings allow for the passage of snow, ice, mud, oils, and more. Walkway also has similar slip-resistant surfaces. However, unlike standard Plank, Walkway is designed for elevated pathways. It features unique upturned side channels to ensure safety within these raised walking areas. If you are looking for a product to cover a large span and not a single pathway, Interlocking, and Extruded Interlocking Plank Gratings are popular choices for their ability to easily and seamlessly link together with adjoining planks. Other Construction types include Ladder Rung Plank and Stair Tread Plank.

The application will also influence factors such as gauge/thickness, channel depth/height, series type, primary material, percent open area, and span.

FIBERGLASS GRATING

Fiberglass Grating is optimal for harsh environments because of its corrosion-resistant nature and variety of fire-retardant resin options. Because of this, many applications of these products are found outdoors or in other severe settings.

To determine Fiberglass resin and type, you must first assess the amount of durability, fire-retardancy, and corrosion resistance the application requires. For example, industries frequently use our SVF Vinyl Ester in environments where they require the highest level of durability and corrosion resistance.

On the other hand, we also offer various compositions of non-fire-retardant resins for less demanding conditions. Each resin and type possesses its own strengths, such as SFF Polyester which is food-grade (nontoxic) and often used in kitchen applications. A chart of information on our resin offerings is available on our Fiberglass Grating Resource page.

FIBERGLASS GRATING CONSTRUCTION TYPE

You can specify these resins and types for either Molded or Pultruded construction types, depending on your project requirements. Depending on the desired construction type, you can customize the product surface with features that range from a Concave Molded exterior to Fine Grit, Medium Grit, and Coarse Grit offerings that increase traction in slippery environments. Application and environmental factors will also influence details such as color, span, percent open area, and size.

Summary

Regardless of the desired category, it is important to confirm that your chosen Grating will be able to handle the loads your application will require. The load tables available on our product resource pages make it easy to calculate and confirm load capacity for all our Gratings. Also on our Product Resource pages, you will find plenty of charts, lists, and details that can provide more comprehensive information about our Grating offerings.

We hope this guide has been helpful in your process to find the Grating item best suited for your project. If you still have questions or would like more personalized help in determining product needs, we are ready and Inspired to Serve® you at 866.252., , or via Live Chat on mcnichols.com.

Are you interested in learning more about fiberglass floor grating? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!