Composites USA

Mine Sweeping Floats: These mine sweeping floats were contact molded with mil-spec fiberglass cloth and epoxy resin for Deval for resale to the U.S. military. Metal inserts were integrally bonded to the assembly, minimizing customer secondary assembly labor.

Radomes Glass Kevlar Epoxy Vinyl Ester:Assorted Randomes FRP is commonly used in radome manufacturing due to its favorable dielectric properties, excellent strength to weight ratio, impact and corrosion resistance, relatively low tooling cost and ability to be molded into complex shapes. The 3’-0" long radome shown at the right are manufactured using vinyl ester resin with Kevlar aramid reinforcement. Divinycil PVC closed cell foam core is also incorporated into the laminate to minimize weight of the part. These radomes are contact molded on machined metal molds to exacting tolerances. Radomes are manufactured in a wide range of geometries, from long tubes to flat dishes, and almost every shape in between. Some additional examples, contact molded and resin transfer molded (RTM) are shown below. Materials of construction typically include Mil-Spec grades of polyester, vinyl ester or epoxy resins with fiberglass or aramid reinforcement.

• Flex Strength (Min.)23,800 psi (ASTM D-790)
• Tensile Modulus (Min.)1,500,000 psi (ASTM D-638)
• ThicknessAs required to meet specified loads (0.250" min.)

• Thickness65% at 0.375"

Randome Mounting Brackets: These radome mounting brackets were manufactured for R.C.A. using resin transfer molding (RTM) with polyester and fiberglass. Fiber loading is 65% at 0.375" thick, suitable for the high physical loadings. The holes shown were to accommodate cable mounting hardware, also supplied and installed by Composites USA. FRP is commonly used in these applications for its high strength, low weight, and good dielectric properties.

Fiberglass Stacks by Composites USA Fiberglass stacks can be manufactured and installed in much the same way as steel stacks. The advantages of fiberglass stacks are similar to the advantages of other fiberglass products: corrosion resistance, lightweight - leading to lower installation costs, and ease of maintenance. Stacks can be designed either freestanding or laterally supported. There are many possibilities available for base mounting design. Similarly, there are many ways to laterally support stacks if desired. The most common options for lateral support would include guying with wires, or bolting to adjacent structural steel. With a description of the design criteria and constraints imposed by the physical location of the stack, Composites USA can offer a P.E. stamped design solution. In addition to designing the stack structural requirements, Composites USA can also offer design guidance and installation options for ladders, platforms, sampling inspection and access ports, grounding systems, and if required, FAA markings and warning lights.

• Thickness0.375" minimum with local reinforcement as required
• Flex Modulus (Min)1,100,000 psi (ASTM D-790)
• Flame Spread (Max)25 (ASTM E-84)