Materials
Three material families, side by side.
FRP, glass-lined steel and stainless each protect what they hold in a different way. Here's how each does it, and what that means when you're choosing.
| FRP Fibre-reinforced plastic | GLS Glass-lined steel | SS Stainless steel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Glass fibres in a thermoset resin, built up in layers | A glass coating fused to steel sheet at high temperature | A corrosion-resistant steel alloy, formed and welded |
| What carries the load | The structural glass-fibre layers | The steel | The stainless shell |
| What faces the contents | A resin-rich surface, or a thermoplastic liner (dual laminate) | The inner glass coat | A finished product-contact surface |
| How it is usually built | Wound, laid up or moulded, often as one piece | Factory-coated panels, bolted together on site | Rolled, welded and finished, often with a jacket and insulation |
| Often considered for | Aggressive chemicals, brine, custom shapes | Large-volume bolted storage | Food, beverage and hygienic process duty |
| Main limits to check | Temperature against the resin rating, abrasion, fire | pH and temperature range, abrasion, the seams | Chlorides, cleaning chemicals, surface finish |
A general comparison. The right choice for a specific duty depends on the medium, conditions, site and lifecycle cost.
FRP
Fibre-reinforced plastic
Glass fibre for strength, resin for chemical resistance, built up in layers.
Layers, properties and evidence → GLSGlass-lined steel
Steel for strength, a fused glass coating for a hard, inert surface.
Layers, properties and evidence → SSStainless steel
Hygienic, cleanable vessels for food, beverage and process duty.
Layers, properties and evidence →Project inquiry
Not sure which material fits?
Describe the duty and we'll tell you which one to look at, or which ones are worth comparing.