Standard Structural Composite Profiles
Range of standard profiles available off the shelf
Exel Standard Structural Composite Profiles (FRP) are the next generation of our Utilo range of stocked pultruded I-beams, channels, angles, tubes and box profiles. Our fiberglass structural composites have been used in many applications and access structures over the past 40 years. They are a great alternative to traditional materials – metals or wood in conditions where harsh environments would otherwise rot, rust, corrode.
Our lightweight UV stabilized profiles are low maintenance, corrosion resistant and durable, making them an excellent cost saving material. Our profiles meet or exceed the requirements both mechanical and aesthetic of the European Standard EN 13706 E23 * and ASTM D4385. Our profiles are manufactured in accordance with BS En ISO 9001.
*(<5mm E17)
Our range of standard structural profiles includes
Angle
Composite structural profiles
Box
Composite structural profiles
Channel
Composite structural profiles
L-beam
Composite structural profiles
Ladder systems
Composite structural profiles
Handrail systems and tubes
Composite structural profiles
Solid sections
Composite structural profiles
Accessories (end caps, mounts)
Composite structural profiles
Considering composites? Exel structural composite profiles come with many benefits:
- Durable – UV and chemical resistance
- Light weight – 4X lighter than steel for the same strength
- Strong – Typically double the strength requirements for E23
- Stiff – Typically exceeds E23 tensile modulus by 25%
- Low thermal conductivity – excellent insulating properties compared to metal
- Thermal efficiency – minimize heat loss
- Low electrical conductivity – insulating properties with glass fiber
- Thermally stable – CTE 6 times lower than uPVC, half that of aluminium
- Dimensionally stable – high stiffness , thermoset resin
- Corrosion resistant – resistance to weathering
- Low maintenance – do not rot, rust or swell
- Lasting performance – corrosion proof, moisture resistant, UV stabilised
- Non-magnetic
- Radio frequency transparent
- Machinable – with standard equipment
- Easy Installation – light weight permits lifting into position with less equipment
Customize your structural profiles
Exel specializes in matching the mechanical, thermal corrosion and other requirements of your application to our products. Where a standard product is not entirely suitable, we offer custom designed structural profiles manufactured to individual specifications. This follows careful selection of the fiber reinforcement and resin matrix to meet your desired specifications.
Our profiles are made to meet or exceed the requirements of EN13706 E23* European standard for structural pultrusions
Test |
Units |
Test Standard |
|
E23 minimum Properties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full section bend test | GPa | Annex D, EN 13702-2 | 23 | |
| Tensile modulus – lengthwise | GPa | EN ISO 527-4 | 23 | |
| Tensile modulus – crosswise | GPa | EN ISO 527-4 | 7 | |
| Tensile strength – lengthwise | MPa | EN ISO 527-4 | 240 | |
| Tensile strength – crosswisse | MPa | EN ISO 527-4 | 50 | |
| Flexural strength – lengthwise | MPa | EN ISO 14125 | 240 | |
| Flexural strength – crosswise | MPa | EN ISO 14125 | 100 | |
| Interlaminar shear strength – lengthwise | MPa | EN ISO 14130 | 25 | |
| Pin-bearing strength – lengthwise | MPa | Annex E, EN 13702-2 | 150 | |
| Pin-bearing strength – crosswise | MPa | Annex E, EN 13702-2 | 70 | |
| Fire classification | BS EN 13501-1 | Euro Class E |
*<5mm thickness E17
*Minimum properties are based on the average value of 5 valid tests
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about our structural composite profiles
Q: What type of structural composite profiles does Exel manufacture?
A: Exel offer a standard range of structural composite profiles including pultruded I-beams, channels, angles, tubes and box profiles. We also make custom profiles tailored to your specific requirements.
Q: What are your standard structural composite profiles?
A: Our standard range of structural composite profiles is a line of more than 60 different fiberglass shapes that are kept in stock, ready to ship.
The profiles are made of glass fiber with a UV stabilized isophthalic resin, using a combination of direct glass rovings, constructed mats incorporating off axis fiber, and a polyester surface veil. The profiles are designed to meet the European Standard EN13706 E23 (E17 when <5mm thickness).
Q: What does E23 mean?
A: EN13706 is the European standard that covers structural pultruded profiles where their load bearing characteristic is the major criterion of design and where the product is part of a load bearing system.(EN13706-2 :3.3). It covers appearance, dimensional tolerance and workmanship.
E23 refers to a minimum Full Section flexural modulus of 23GPa, and an average axial tensile modulus of 23GPa when 5 valid tests are performed. This is a minimum value and our range of profiles typically achieve a modulus of 30 GPa. The minimum Axial Tensile Strength requirement is 250MPa, with our profiles typically achieving 500MPa.
Q: What color are your standard profiles?
A: Our profiles are generally stocked in grey, with some profiles available in yellow. They are based on RAL 7001 Grey and RAL 1023 yellow, with the primary color reference is based on a standard visual sample and we monitor the CIELAB DeltaE.
Q: Do your structural profiles have a fire rating?
A: Our standard structural composite profiles are certified as EN 13501-1 Euroclass E.
Q: What is the chemical resistance of the structural profiles?
A: Our standard profiles will not rot and are impervious to a broad range of corrosive environments. For a wider range of corrosion resistance, we have a vinylester resin available. Please see the corrosion resistance guide or talk to us about your specific requirement.
Q: What manufacturing process do you use to make the structural profiles?
A: Our structural profiles are manufactured using pultrusion. Pultrusion is a continuous manufacturing process for composites resulting in consistent quality, high volume production with minimal waste and reduced labor costs.