Fiberglass strut and fittings from Unistrut Service Company offers outstanding corrosion resistance performance without the price associated with stainless steel. Non-metallic strut is commonly used in wastewater treatment centers, chemical plants, and marinas. Pulp and paper desalination facilities, theme parks, aquariums, and underground vaults frequently use nonmetallic strut as well.
VARIATIONS
Unistrut Service Company offers two distinct styles of Fiberglass channel—the Aickinstrut Flange Profile and the SST channel profile, as shown below.
The SST channel profile is similar to the profile of standard, metal Unistrut channel, and is compatible with standard 1-5/8” metal channel fittings and components.
The SST profile is available in polyester or vinyl ester resin. Please note that the Unistrut SST profile is not compatible with the fiberglass pipe clamps and shown in the fiberglass section of the Unistrut Engineering Catalog.
Typically, stainless steel clamps and strut nuts are used in combination with Fiberglass SST channel styles.
Unlike the SST series, the Aickinstrut channel profile features a unique flange profile that provides reliable fastening and interlocking of the components shown in the fiberglass section of the Unistrut catalog. It is important to remember that standard metal framing components such as strut nuts and pipe clamps are not compatible with the Aickinstrut flange design. Aickinstrut fiberglass channel is available in Polyester, PVC, and Vinyl Ester.
ENVIRONMENT
Made from entirely nonmetallic, corrosion-resistant resins, both fiberglass strut flange styles (SST and Aickinstrut) can be used in demanding environments where steel strut systems have traditionally failed. The lightweight components can be installed quickly and easily using standard metalworking tools. All of our Unistrut fiberglass channel and fittings incorporate the highest quality materials to provide superior chemical resistance, strength, flame resistance, and ultraviolet protection.
Temperature Ranges – Fiberglass parts are supplied in five different materials covering distinct temperature ranges. The temperature ranges indicated are meant to be used only as a general guideline. Continual exposure to elevated temperatures reduces the strength properties of plastics and glass-reinforced fiberglass. Actual resin test data confirms that a 50% reduction in strength occurs at the extremely high-temperature levels.
Available in Polyester, PVC, and Vinyl Ester, the fiberglass strut comes in a wide variety of options to fit project needs. A range of fittings makes the system customizable to accommodate varying configurations.
CHEMICAL RESISTANCE
See the chemical compatibility chart for resin resistance. The results are based upon immersion for a 24-hour period. This is typically the “worst case” exposure to corrosion. Less severe contact such as spills, splashes and vapor condensate will exceed the performance results listed in the table. We often receive questions about which resin style is the best, or strongest performing, but remember, in most applications requiring fiberglass channel, material selection is a function of the types of chemicals likely to come into contact with the channel. To select the best resin style for your application, consult the chart below:
INSTALLATION
To better facilitate your project needs, Unistrut Service Company can custom cut your channel to the desired lengths you require. If you need to stagger material delivery, cut strut into custom lengths, or need to cut down on overall field labor, we can help.
We can cut strut to your specifications, kit your order, and bundle and ship only the material you will need immediately, helping save time, money, and stress during your project.
If you would rather take the time do complete the process yourself, fabrication requires just three operations: cutting, drilling, and sealing as described below:
· Cutting – Handheld saws, such as hack saws (24 to 32 teeth per inch), are suitable when a few cuts are required. For frequent cutting, a circular power saw with a carbide-tipped masonry blade yields the best results. When using a power saw, dust filter masks, gloves, and long sleeve clothing should be worn.
· Drilling – Any standard twist bit, even when used with battery-powered drills, will work well. Carbide-tipped drill bits are recommended.
· Sealing – To protect against future migration of corrosive elements into the cut sections, all cuts and holes should be adequately sealed with a clear urethane sealer.
Still unsure which fiberglass channel style is best for your next project? Talking to one of our Unistrut team members will ensure you’re the best results. Contact our Unistrut Service team to discuss the specific needs for your next project.