Dura Profiles

 

Dura Profile pultruded composite profiles are manufactured by combining various resins with pure fibre reinforcement. They are formed and cured in a continuous process creating a product of extraordinary strength and resilience. The resultant composite profiles offer a combination of benefits and mechanical properties exceeding those of metal.

 

Why Use Dura Profiles

 

CORROSION RESISTANT

 

The ability of Dura Profile to guard against deterioration from industrial chemicals and environmental factors makes it a logical and cost-effective alternative to carbon steel, aluminium, wood or other conventional materials. Dura Profile can be exposed to continuous submersion, splash, spills, fumes or gases, and will out perform all other mediums. A comprehensive chemical resistance guide is available on request.

 

FIRE RESISTANCE

 

Dura Profile is available in various resin systems, two of which meet the Class 1 flame spread rating of 25 or less, in accordance with ASTM E-84 Tunnel Test Method. If a flame spread of 10 or less is required, a custom phenolic resin system can be supplied.

 

NON-MAGNETIC

 

The non-magnetic properties allow Dura Profile to be used in sensitive installations where the inherent magnetic properties of metallic materials would prove unsuitable.

 

IMPACT RESISTANCE

 

The impact resistance of Dura Profile allows repeated deflection without permanent deformation. A certain amount of deflection can occur with loading. However, once the load is removed, the profile will return to its original shape, unlike metallic material, which will remain deformed and require costly repairs or replacement. Loading/deflection tables are available on request.

 

NON-SPARKING

 

The non sparking qualities of Dura Profile systems are ideally suited for those installations where hydrogen or other combustible gases may be found and which may explode or cause a fire from sparks produced from accidental dropping of tools onto the surfaces.

 

MAINTENANCE FREE

 

The use of Dura Profile eliminates maintenance costs since painting is not required, and UV inhibitors protect against degradation from the sun.

 

LIGHTWEIGHT

 

Dura Profile weighs about one-quarter as much as steel, which means that often there is no need for hoists, pulleys or heavy lifting equipment. Therefore the lightweight material reduces installation and fabrication costs.

 

DESIGN

 

The design procedures associated with Dura Profile are unique in that there is allowable ‘deflection’ as opposed to ultimate ‘loading’ used with steel and aluminium. The reason for this is the inherent elasticity of fibreglass material, permitting a greater deflection than steel, without the danger of structural failure. Load and deflection tables are available on request.

 

COST SAVINGS - LONG LIFE

 

In a review of life cycle costs, Dura Profile showed significant savings over the use of traditional materials. This is due to a comparable purchase price and the significant savings derived from ease of installation, zero maintenance and a + 50 year life span.

 

NON-CONDUCTIVE

 

The non-conductive properties make Dura Profile ideally suited for work platforms and flooring situated in electrically hazardous locations.

 

LOW INSTALLATION COSTS

 

Dura Profile weighs considerably less than conventional materials and are easier and less expensive to transport, install and remove. Only simple hand tools are required for installation, eliminating the need for costly equipment and labour costs associated with heavy lifting, cutting and welding.

 

SUPERIOR STRENGTH

 

On a weight to weight basis Dura Profile is stronger than structural steel. The high glass-to-resin ratio offers numerous advantages, including rigidity, shock-resistance and no permanent deformation if overloaded. These properties provide a generous safety factor while extra design freedom can be gained by adding extra strength in highly stressed areas.

 

TEMPERATURE PERFORMANCE

 

Continuous exposure to temperature up top 60 - 65°C possible which is well within the capacity of standard pultrusions. Custom design profiles incorporating vinylester can withstand higher temperatures up to 100°C. Phenolic Profiles can withstand temperatures up to 200°C.

 

ELECTROMAGNETIC TRANSPARENCY

 

Dura Profile are transparent to radio, microwaves and other electromagnetic frequencies, and are particularly suitable for use in aerial masts and in various radome applications.

 

ANTI-STATIC

 

Fibreglass is an excellent electrical insulator and it is possible to introduce a small degree of conductivity for the purpose of static dissipation. This would be useful for offshore applications, and can prevent sparking which is critical for underground applications in particular.

 

SUMMARY

 

Dura Profile provides the engineer a high degree of design freedom and offers exceptional material properties for a very wide range of applications.

 

 

 

Dura Profile Applications

 

 

Dura Profile Benefits