IP55 GRP plastic enclosure for outside outdoor cabinet
Glass-fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) is a composite material consisting of a combination of plastic (usually polyester, epoxy, or vinyl ester resin) and glass fibers. This composition gives GRP a number of excellent material properties for outdoor use, making it attractive for a variety of applications.
General material properties of GRP for outdoor use
• Lightness with high strength: GRP is significantly lighter than metals such as steel, yet still offers high mechanical strength and stability. This enables the construction of lightweight yet robust components.
• Weather and corrosion resistance: One of the greatest advantages of GRP for outdoor use is its excellent resistance to environmental influences. It does not rust and is resistant to moisture, UV radiation, and many chemicals. This ensures a long service life without complex maintenance.
• Formability and design freedom: GRP can be molded into almost any desired shape, allowing for considerable design freedom in the production of components. After curing, it retains its shape.
• Temperature resistance: GRP is insensitive to temperature fluctuations and retains its properties in both hot and cold conditions.
• Insulating properties: GRP is a good heat and cold insulator and is also electrically non-conductive.
• Durability and robustness: Unlike conventional plastics, the material does not become brittle or fragile. It is resistant to physical impacts such as impacts, hail, or animal claws.
• Low maintenance and easy repair: GRP requires minimal maintenance and can be repaired relatively easily if necessary.
Technical Specifications
Protection Class
Enclosures with a height of 300 mm to 800 mm IP66
Enclosures with a height of 500 mm to 1250 mm IP55
Impact Resistance
Opaque Door IK10
Door with Viewing Window IK08
Ambient Temperature Range -25 ºC / +40 ºC
Self-Extinguishing Degree 960 ºC
Thermal Class 150 ºC
26 to 50 (from a total of 61)
Advantages of GRP Outdoors
These properties lead to a variety of advantages for the use of GRP outdoors:
• Long service life: Due to its resistance to corrosion, weathering, and UV radiation, GRP has a very long service life.
• Weight savings: Its low weight compared to other materials such as steel or concrete enables lighter structures and simplifies transport and assembly.
• Durability: GRP is resistant to rust, rot, and many chemicals, making it ideal for demanding environments.
• Design flexibility: Its good formability allows for the realization of complex geometries and customized designs.
• Cost and energy efficiency: Lower maintenance costs and the possibility of implementing energy-saving construction methods (e.g., through good insulation properties) contribute to its cost-effectiveness.
• Sustainability: Although recycling GRP can be challenging, there are approaches to reusing it, and the material's long service life also contributes to its sustainability.
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Outdoor Applications of GRP
Due to its diverse positive properties, GRP is used in numerous outdoor applications:
• Construction: Facade elements, roofs, skylights, pipes, tanks, containers (including for hazardous materials), manhole covers, bridge construction, building renovation, and balconies.
• Automotive and transportation industry: Body parts, cladding, and superstructures for trucks, buses, RVs, and delivery vehicles to reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency.
• Leisure and sports: Boats, yachts, caravans, camping products, playground equipment, and snowboards.
• Chemical plant construction: Tanks, containers, and pipelines due to their high resistance to chemicals.
• Infrastructure: Elements for water and wastewater supply.
• Garden and landscaping: Pond and pool construction, patio strips (slip-resistant).
GRP is therefore a versatile material that is particularly well-suited for outdoor use due to its durability, robustness, and adaptability.
These properties lead to a variety of advantages for the use of GRP outdoors:
• Long service life: Due to its resistance to corrosion, weathering, and UV radiation, GRP has a very long service life.
• Weight savings: Its low weight compared to other materials such as steel or concrete enables lighter structures and simplifies transport and assembly.
• Durability: GRP is resistant to rust, rot, and many chemicals, making it ideal for demanding environments.
• Design flexibility: Its good formability allows for the realization of complex geometries and customized designs.
• Cost and energy efficiency: Lower maintenance costs and the possibility of implementing energy-saving construction methods (e.g., through good insulation properties) contribute to its cost-effectiveness.
• Sustainability: Although recycling GRP can be challenging, there are approaches to reusing it, and the material's long service life also contributes to its sustainability.
________________________________________
Outdoor Applications of GRP
Due to its diverse positive properties, GRP is used in numerous outdoor applications:
• Construction: Facade elements, roofs, skylights, pipes, tanks, containers (including for hazardous materials), manhole covers, bridge construction, building renovation, and balconies.
• Automotive and transportation industry: Body parts, cladding, and superstructures for trucks, buses, RVs, and delivery vehicles to reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency.
• Leisure and sports: Boats, yachts, caravans, camping products, playground equipment, and snowboards.
• Chemical plant construction: Tanks, containers, and pipelines due to their high resistance to chemicals.
• Infrastructure: Elements for water and wastewater supply.
• Garden and landscaping: Pond and pool construction, patio strips (slip-resistant).
GRP is therefore a versatile material that is particularly well-suited for outdoor use due to its durability, robustness, and adaptability.