A major advantage of using Relinea’s Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) products is the ease of fabrication — sawing, grinding, drilling and machining is similar to working with wood, metals and plastics. Follow our handy guide on how to cut GRP for easy fabrication

If possible, perform fabrication on-site to increase accuracy. Be sure to allow for blade width (usually 5mm) when performing take-offs and layouts. For an aesthetically pleasing installation, cut panels so bars of adjoining panels are aligned and leave a solid bar on all sides.

Recommended Safety Practices:

Prior to cutting Relinea products, take the following steps:

1. Carefully read the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). If you do not have an MSDS, contact Relinea prior to fabricating. Individuals with respiratory ailments should not fabricate FRP products.
2. Observe common safety precautions when using cutting tools. Always wear gloves when handling Relinea products. Wear approved safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes and a respirator (mask) to reduce inhalation of dust. We recommend the use of dust masks rated to FFP3.
3. Dust from cutting GRP products can cause skin irritation. Wear clothing to reduce dust from coming into contact with skin. If cutting products causes difficulty in breathing or excessive skin irritation, stop immediately and consult a physician.
4. Observe common safety precautions when using the resin coating or sealing kit. Read and follow instructions provided with the coating or enclosed in the kit prior to using. Always wear personal protective equipment when working with GRP products or using a protective coating or sealing kit. Do not allow resin or catalyst to come in contact with skin.

Tools Required

1. Power saw with a masonry or diamond blade for cement board products; use a circular saw for straight cuts, a jig saw for circular cuts. For large fabrication jobs, use a diamond grit blade.
2. Sawhorses or platform for supporting products while cutting.
3. Tape measure, straight-edge and chalk-line or felt-tip pen for marking cuts.
4. Resin Seal kit or acrylic spray.

Procedures

1. Support panel securely so it will not flex or shift during cutting.
2. Mark cuts clearly and carefully. Avoid splitting main bearing bars. Moulded construction allows “fingers” to support weight.
3. Cut from the smooth side (bottom) of a grit-top panel.
4. Use even, steady pressure when cutting. Excessive pressure may cause heat and/or ragged edges. Replace dull blades to prevent heat buildup.
5. Use a resin seal kit or acrylic spray to coat all cut or sanded surfaces. This is recommended to prevent corrosive chemicals from reaching exposed glass fibres. Carefully read and follow the instructions provided on the acrylic coating or those included with the sealing kit.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively cut and fabricate Relinea’s GRP products with ease and safety, ensuring a successful and aesthetically pleasing outcome for your project.

Find out more about GRP and its applications here.