What is FRP?

FRP, fiberglass reinforced plastic, is a composite made from fiberglass reinforcement in a plastic (polymer) matrix. A construction analogy would be the steel reinforcing bars in a concrete matrix for highways.

By reinforcing the plastic matrix, a wide variety of physical strengths and properties can be designed into the FRP composite. Additionally, the type and configuration of the reinforcement can be selected, along with the type of plasticand additives within the matrix. These variations allow an incredible range of strength and physical properties to be obtained. FRP composites can be developed specifically for the performance required versus traditional materials: wood, metal, ceramics, etc.

Engineers can design the FRP composite to provide the needed characteristics, and avoid cost penalties of an over-engineered product.

What is Fiberglass?

Fiberglass fibers are made from molten glass extruded at a specified diameter. The fibers are gathered into bundles and the bundles combined create a roving. Rovings are a continuous rope, similar to twine, and are wound on a mandrel to form a ball called a doff. Reinforcements for FRP are made from rovings that are chopped into short strands, woven into a cloth or used as continuous roving.

There are many factors that affect the reinforcement characteristics of fiberglass:

• Fiber and bundle diameter and type of glass
• Direction of the fiberglass reinforcement
• The amount of fiberglass reinforcement
• The physical contact (wetout) of the fiber with the polymer

All of these factors must be taken into account when designing an FRP composite so that the required physical
property strengths are met.

What are Plastic/Polymers?

There are two basic types of plastics/polymers: thermoplastic and thermoset. In general, FRP composites utilize a thermoset plastic.

A plastic in which the polymer molecules are not crosslinked (not chemically bonded to other polymer molecules) is a thermoplastic. Since the molecules are not connected by crosslinks, it allows the molecules to spread farther apart when the plastic is heated. This is the basic characteristic of a thermoplastic; the plastic will soften, melt, or flow when heat is applied. Melting the plastic and allowing it to cool within a mold will form the finished product. Typical thermoplastics are: polyethylene (PE)– used in making garbage bags; polyvinyl chloride (PVC)– used for house siding; and polypropylene (PP)– used as carpet fibers, packaging, and diapers.

A plastic in which the polymer molecules are crosslinked (chemically bonded) with another set of molecules to form a “net like” or “ladder-like” structure is a thermoset. Once crosslinking has occurred, a thermoset plastic does not soften, melt, or flow when heated. However, if the crosslinking occurs within a mold, the shape of the mold will be formed. Typical thermoset plastics are: unsaturated polyester (UP)– used for bowling balls and boats; epoxy– used for adhesives and coatings; and polyurethanes (PURs)– used in foams and coatings.

In addition to these basic characteristics, polymers provide the FRP composite designer with a myriad of characteristics that can be selected, depending on the application. Combined with reinforcement of the polymer matrix, a vast range of characteristics are available for FRP composites.

Kemlite Glasbord (FRP) with Surfaseal is a Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) product that is a composite of fiberglass and a plastic or polymer resin that when manufactured, offers a sanitary, strong, long-lasting and corrosion-resistant product for use in a wide variety of wall and ceiling finishes.

Kemlite Glasbord (FRP) with Surfaseal is resistant to scratches, abrasions, staining, and damage due to harsh chemicals. In fact, it is up to 10 times easier to clean than other frp panels and up to 6 times more stain resistant. Glasbord (FRP) is available in different colors and finishes, and can be cut and drilled for easy installation. Accessories such as color-coordinated moldings and rivets are also available to complete the installation. Glasbord is used in a wide variety of applications where ease of cleaning, sanitation or abuse resistance is required.

• Use Kemlite Glasbord (FRP) for food processing facilities
• Use Kemlite Glasbord (FRP) for recreation centres
• Use Kemlite Glasbord (FRP) waste water treatment and sewage centers
• Use Kemlite Glasbord (FRP)  restaraunt kitchens and washrooms

Crane Composites played an important part in the $52 M renovation at the University of Michigan’s Crisler Center, home to men’s and women’s Wolverine basketball, as well as host to numerous wrestling and gymnastics events annually. Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) wall panels were needed in ten concession areas and five trash nooks. The University wanted to utilize images of various athletic events printed in the iconic Michigan blue. A durable, functional, long lasting custom option was needed. Fortunately, Crane Composites had the perfect solution for this project — DESIGNS 4U. This highly customizable FRP panel is an innovative product that allows for virtually endless design possibilities.

Contact Sound Barriers for more information.

Introducing Duralife Lockers – the only HDPE plastic locker that is fully fire rated for your corridor application. Specially designed to meet the demands of the school environment. Duralife Lockers are built to withstand the harshest daily use.

The newly designed Duralife Locker is fire rated for school corridors and is fully NFPA 286 compliant, utilizing a denser, more impact and scratch resistant shell to withstand the toughest abuse.

1. Will Never Rust, Corrode or Delaminate
2. Resists, Odors, Mildews, Mold, Graffiti
3. Scratch Resistant
4. Moisture Impermeability
5. Impact and Dent Resistant
6. Non Porous Surface

Return on Investment:

Over a 20-year period, tremendous savings are realized by investing in Duralife Lockers compared to investing in metal lockers. The above chart takes into account the initial costs of maintenance, dent and scratch repair, repainting, graffiti removal and replacement of damaged and corroded parts to create a cost of ownership model. Within 2 years, HDPE lockers are less expensive than metal lockers. In 20 years, the accumulated savings are substantial.

Features:

1: Continuous Strike – Fully integrated 1/2″ thick HDPE 6-point strike for improved locking performance and security

2: Latch – 6 point push to-close latch mede of extremely durable HDPE

3: Lock – Fully compatible with most standard and recessed combination locks

4: Door – Full-height solid HDPE door with arc ventilation

5: Frame – Solid HDPE tongue and groove construction with corrosion resitant mechanicals fasteners

6: Hinge – Full-Height anodized steep piano hinge

Sustainability:

1: Improved air quality

2: No painting means no VOC emissions

3: Contains 25-100% post consumer content

4: 100% recyclable

5: Resists, mold, mildew and fungus

6: Factory responsible recycling

Contact Sound Barriers today for information and detailed specifications.

The new Sound Barriers “Arena and Recreational Products Catalogue” is now available.

Breathlessly anticipated by architects, facility managers, contractors and our sales staff, the Arena and Recreational Products Catalogue is full of useful information to help guide you along in your quest for the best arena and recreational products and services.

Need a new or replacement dasherboard system? We’ve got you covered with our wide selection of system configurations:

• Permanent Steel (PS-S-01)
• Pre-Fabricated Aluminum (PF-A-01)
• Pre-Fabricated Steel (PF-s-01)
• Pre-Fabricated Aluminum Seamless (PF-AS-01)
• Permanent Wood and Steel (PW-s-01)
• C/W player, penalty and time keeper boxes and all the accessories.

Trying to find those pesky replacement parts? We stock:

• Hockey Goal Nets,
• Net Protectors,
• Freeze-In Posts,
• Line Kits,
• Bumper Pads,
• Arena Gate Castors (swivel and fixed),
• Glass Supports with Gaskets,
• Glass Clips,
• Cane Bolt Assemblies,
• Sliding Closure Bars,
• Ice-side Gate Releases,
• Latch Sets (with keeper),
• Gate Hinges
• and more.

You need replacement glass? Look to Sound Barriers for off-the shelf and custom tempered glass.

And, it just keeps getting better with:

• Glasbord and Sanigrid FRP,
• Triumph Stadium Seating,
• Perma-Cap,
• Resistall and Hiny-Hiners washroom partitions,
• Resiliant Rubber Flooring,
• Safety Netting,
• And our top quality installation services.

Keep it clean with the LS 3000 hygienic rail!

Hygiene, a circumferential seal, easy handling and a guaranteed long lifespan. These were the objectives that our engineers had to solve.

The result is the new LS 3000 hygienic rail made of polished stainless steel, which has this
attribute exactly. We even added something to it: Our engineers have developed a patented
energy storage unit (DE 100 11 245.5). This makes it easy for you to lift the door out of its final
position without having to exert a lot of force. Also, we thought of something else for its installation.
Both the round stainless steel tube as well as the rail support is delivered in parts
depending on the length required. This simplifies transport and makes the installation easier
in hidden or difficult to access places.

It’s still adjustable. As usual with ems, three-dimensional door plate adjustment is also possible
on the LS 3000 hygienic rail as well. This saves time and money because your sliding
door can be adjusted both comfortably and quickly according to the circumstances both
when it is first installed and at any time during its use.

Certified, hygienic, clean: The independent Institut für Umweltanalytik in Bad Nauheim
has issued a hygiene certificate for our new development and the ems-sliding doors
equipped with it. We would be happy to send you this expert statement.

Style has never been so durable.

NEW RESISTALL PARTITIONS FROM SCRANTON PRODUCTS ARE BUILT TOUGH FOR BARS, CLUBS AND CAFÉS

In addition, Resistall™ Partitions will not delaminate and are built to resist mildew, odors, corrosion and dents, saving you the added costs of maintenance.

Because Scranton Products is so confident that our Resistall™ partitions will stand the test of time, they’re backed with a full 5-year warranty covering breakage, corrosion and delamination under normal conditions.

As the industry leader in responsible recycling, Scranton Products is committed to reducing industrial waste. We reclaim all of our scrap and off-cuts into production to create new sheets. Incorporating our HDPE plastic products can contribute can contribute points toward LEED certification.

Partision Comparison Chart

Allandale Arena (Barrie,ON) has taken advantage of the Early Bird Special on Kick Strip from Sound Barriers. Allandale is a twin pad facility in Barrie and they alternate maintenance on their rinks every other year. This year the Red Rink is under a makeover with various projects. One project that they took on was to replace their existing Kick Strip. They opted to replace their .220 thick kick with .500 thick kick as they did on their Blue Rink last year. With a heavy maintenance schedule they also decided to let Sound Barriers expert installers remove the old kick and install the new. With the new kick and a board cleaning on schedule next week their Dashers should look good as new. The Sound Barriers crew also suggested new thresholds to top it off and they will be installing those at a later date. The Rink is scheduled to re open at the end of May.

Sound Barriers has been awarded the contract for new Dasher Boards at the Kanata Recreation Complex.

The Recreation Complex is a twin pad and is the home of Kanata Minor Hockey as well as the Kanata Stallions ( JR. A Hockey Club ). It will host the Fred Page Cup April 25^th-29^th and then the major facelift will begin.

The old Dasher Boards are being dismantled by AWD Contractors (Perth,ON) and are being donated to the Rideau Valley School Board for an outdoor pad.

They are replacing their current steel and wood structure with a Sound Barriers PF-A-01 Prefabricated Aluminum Framed Dasher Board System. The dasher panels will be fabricated in demountable sections of nominal 8 ft. Lengths.

The new arena will have 6 ft. High tempered glass throughout, new 2 piece front loading supports, new player/penalty benches, rubber mat flooring, bottle shelves and a new timer shelf.

Construction will begin in early May and end in mid June.

Sound Barriers has sold the first Resistall plastic toilet partitions in Ontario to the Lucan Community Memorial Centre ( Lucan,ON ). The first ever sale was to Evolution Ice in Montreal,PQ.

The order is for six (6) stalls and it will replace the existing hollow metal stalls in their seasonal park restrooms.

The Lucan Centre currently has Santana 1” thick solid plastic throughout their facility but they were looking for a less expensive option for their needs in the seasonal park restrooms. The restrooms are only open from May- October and then they are shut down.

Resistall Partitions, which are competitive with traditional metal partitions, are manufactured from HDPE and are impermeable to moisture and will never need painting unlike metal partitions. They will also never delaminate and are built to resist mildew, odours, corrosion and dents, saving maintenance costs.

The Partitions will ship in April and will be installed by the Lucan staff.