Key Steps

GangLong Fiberglass is a trusted manufacturer of high-quality fiberglass products, offering a range of versatile and durable solutions for various industrial applications. Their Fiberglass Chopped Strand Mat (CSM) are specifically designed to provide flexible and cost-effective reinforcement in composite materials. These products are meticulously manufactured to ensure superior mechanical strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Whether for cable management systems, structural components, or other specialized applications, GangLong’s fiberglass solutions meet the demanding standards of modern industries.

Chopped Strand Mat (CSM) is a versatile and easy-to-use fiberglass reinforcement material, ideal for a wide range of composite applications, including the construction of cable ladder. To ensure the best results, it’s essential to understand how to properly prepare CSM, choose compatible resins, and layer it effectively with other materials. Here, we will discuss key steps and techniques to help you use CSM for maximum strength and durability in your projects.

Preparation: How to Cut, Tear, and Prepare CSM for Use in Laminating

Proper preparation of CSM is essential for ensuring that it bonds effectively with resin and conforms to the desired shape in your project.

• Cutting CSM: To cut chopped strand mat, use sharp scissors or a utility knife. It’s important to measure the mat according to the size needed for your project. For larger projects, you can cut CSM into manageable sections that fit your mold or form. Always cut the mat slightly larger than the required size to ensure adequate coverage, as the mat can shrink slightly during the laminating process.
• Tearing CSM: In many cases, tearing CSM by hand is preferred because it allows the fibers to stay aligned in a natural, random orientation, which can help the mat conform more easily to curves and complex shapes. Tearing also helps prevent fraying of the edges, giving you a smoother, more uniform surface when laid down.
• Preparation for Laminating: Before applying CSM to a surface, ensure that the mold or base is clean, dry, and free from dust or debris. Lightly sanding the surface can also improve the bonding between the CSM and the resin. For smoother surfaces, applying a release agent is recommended to avoid sticking. Once the CSM is prepared, you can begin applying resin to the surface and layering the mat accordingly.

Resin Compatibility: Best Used with Polyester and Vinyl Ester Resins (Not Compatible with Epoxy)

Choosing the right resin for your project is crucial to ensure proper bonding and structural integrity. CSM is typically compatible with polyester and vinyl ester resins, which are commonly used in the composite industry.

• Polyester Resin: Polyester resin is the most common resin used with chopped strand mat. It is inexpensive, easy to work with, and provides excellent bonding strength. It is widely used in marine, automotive, and construction industries. When applying CSM with polyester resin, ensure that the resin is mixed according to the manufacturer’s instructions and applied evenly for the best results.
• Vinyl Ester Resin: Vinyl ester resin offers greater corrosion resistance and higher strength compared to polyester resin. It is an excellent choice for projects that will be exposed to harsh environments or require enhanced durability, such as in the marine industry or chemical storage tanks. Vinyl ester resins also work well with CSM, providing good wetting out of the fibers and a smooth surface.
• Epoxy Resin: CSM is generally not compatible with epoxy resins. Epoxy resins are often used with other types of fiberglass reinforcements, such as woven roving or fiberglass cloth, due to their superior bonding properties and strength. Epoxy tends to have issues with poor wetting of CSM fibers, leading to weak spots or improper bonding in the laminate. For the best performance, avoid using CSM with epoxy resins unless specified by the manufacturer.

Layering: How to Combine CSM with Other Materials for Maximum Strength and Durability

Layering CSM with other materials is a great way to enhance the strength, flexibility, and durability of your composite structure. By combining CSM with other reinforcement types, you can create a laminate that meets specific performance requirements for your project.

• Layering with Fiberglass Cloth: One common method is to combine CSM with fiberglass cloth, such as plain weave or satin weave, for increased strength. CSM provides the base structure and flexibility, while the cloth adds tensile strength and surface quality. The combination of CSM and fiberglass cloth is perfect for applications like boat hulls, car body parts, or fiberglass sheets for structural components that need a balance of strength, flexibility, and aesthetic finish.
• Layering with Woven Roving: For applications that require higher strength, such as large structural components or heavy-duty equipment, layering CSM with woven roving can provide an optimal mix of strength and flexibility. While woven roving adds high tensile strength, CSM helps to fill the gaps and provide better surface adhesion. This combination is especially useful for applications where maximum durability and impact resistance are needed.
• Using Surface Veils: If a smooth, high-quality finish is required, layering CSM with a surface veil is an excellent choice. The surface veil, which is a thin layer of fiberglass, is placed as the topmost layer in the laminate to ensure a smooth, aesthetically pleasing surface while reducing the appearance of print-through from underlying materials. This is particularly useful for cosmetic parts, such as boat hulls or automotive panels, where the visual appearance is important.
• Adding Core Materials: In some cases, it may be beneficial to incorporate core materials like foam, balsa wood, or honeycomb structures between layers of CSM for added stiffness and insulation. This is commonly used in marine applications, where lightweight but strong panels are needed. The core material acts as a support structure, while the CSM layers provide strength and impact resistance on both sides.

Application Tips for Layering and Laminating

• Resin Application: When laminating CSM with other materials, start by applying a layer of resin to the surface. Lay the CSM on top and then saturate it with more resin using a brush or roller. Ensure that the mat is thoroughly wet out and that no dry spots remain. Press down gently to remove air bubbles and ensure good contact with the surface.
• Timing Between Layers: When applying multiple layers of CSM and other reinforcements, work while the resin is still wet or tacky. This ensures that each layer bonds securely with the previous one. If you need to wait between layers, refer to the resin manufacturer’s recommendations for cure times before adding additional layers.
• Curing: After the laminate is complete, allow it to cure in a well-ventilated area at the recommended temperature. Curing times will vary depending on the type of resin used, but it’s important to let the laminate fully harden before sanding or finishing.