About Fibreglass

Fibreglass is also known as GRP, Glass Reinforced Polyester. The most common method of manufacturing a fibreglass pole is when sheets of glass fibre matting are layered into a mould which is coated with resin to set, using low pressure casting methods.

A key element in the quality and consistency of a fibreglass pole is the material composition and structure. Our poles are made up of strands which are unbroken along the length of the pole. The glass fibre is dipped into a resin-filled basin, then laid in several overlapping layers and rolled around a shaft before being moulded into shape.

Once polymerisation has taken place in the mould, the pole is fitted with its parts and accessories. The finished result is a long lasting, high strength fibreglass reinforced pole with colour pigment added throughout each layer giving a smooth, hard and brilliantly glossy finish.

The utilisation of composite materials, in particular fibreglass (GRP), offers new applications and new markets every day, thanks to the development of new products and the constant improvement of the fabrication processes.

Aside the environmental benefits, fibreglass has many other advantages over other common materials, such as steel, aluminium and timber. These benefits include:

  • The smooth gelcoat finsh never needs painting or recoating.
  • It cost effective long term because it is corrosive resistant and maintenance free.
  • Tooling costs are low in comparison to other materials, making custom designs viable.
  • A range of colours can be applied to the gel coat allowing for versatility in design.
  • Damaged products are easily and cheaply repairable unlike steel, aluminium or timber.
  • GRP products have good chemical resistance and have good heat insulation.
  • GRP has good dielectric properties which make it excellent as an electrical insulator.

The advantages of fibreglass in comparison to GALVANISED STEEL:

  • It does not require coating for corrosion resistance.
  • It is resistant to salt water, to sulphur, chlorine or basic environments.

The advantages of fibreglass in comparison to ALUMINIUM:

  • There is no electrolytic corrosion due to contact of two metals in humid environment.
  • It has a much higher life span in basic, chlorine or halogen atmosphere.

The advantages of fibreglass in comparison to STAINLESS STEEL:

  • Is not prone to surface pitting and discolouration.
  • Absence of hollow corrosion / corrosion under tension (mechanical).

Other advantages of fibreglass in comparison to ALL metals:

  • A much lower conductor of electricity compared to metal poles.
  • Easy and quick to work with and manipulate (cut, drill) on site.
  • No sanding or linishing required to remove sharp edges, unlike metal and timber.
  • Excellent thermal insulation (1000 times less heat conductor than aluminium).
  • No spark risk when cutting or drilling, unlike metal.
  • Excellent electrical insulation ( ~ 6 KV / mm).

Mechanical Strength:

A specific resistance 2 to 4 times higher than traditional materials allows a significant saving of weight. A basic fibreglass product (70% fibre / 30 % resin) gives a weight saving, for equal resistance, up to:

  • - 60 % in comparison to stainless steel.
  • - 65 % in comparison to aluminium.
  • - 75 % in comparison to hot dip galvanised steel.

This weight saving reduces the need for machinery and manpower during installation saving up to 50% in time and money.

Fibreglass is also much more sustainable than any metal or timber product. Read more…

See some videos showing why fibreglass is better than metal and timber products…

Sustainable Choice Fibreglass Goalposts & Flagpoles

PILA group’s sustainable fibreglass goal posts and flag poles are listed on the supplier database for the Local Government Procurement Program – Sustainable Choice – Local Government Purchasing for Sustainability