Pultruded GRP profiles
GRP Flat Bars
GRP flat bar is a pultruded, corrosion-resistant profile used for packers, closures, bracing details, frames and fabricated GRP assemblies. Selection starts with the finished function and connection detail, not with a like-for-like substitution for steel flat bar.
Best suited to
Non-metallic fabrication details, spacers, closures, edge pieces and secondary supports where the completed assembly has been checked.
Confirm before ordering
Width, thickness, finished length, quantity, colour, resin or exposure requirement, hole pattern and permissible tolerances.
Engineering boundary
Pultruded profiles are directionally reinforced. Capacity depends on orientation, unsupported length, restraint, holes, connections and the complete load path.
Specify GRP flat bar by function
Flat bar can simplify details where corrosion, electrical conductivity, maintenance access or handling weight makes metalwork less attractive. Typical uses include closure strips, mounting rails, light bracing, packers, cover strips and components within fabricated GRP frames.
The same profile can behave very differently when its orientation, span or connection changes. State whether the bar is a trim component, a restrained part of an assembly or expected to carry load. Structural use requires project-specific design information rather than a catalogue-size assumption.
- Provide the clear span and support arrangement where the profile carries load.
- Identify concentrated, distributed, impact and maintenance loads, including the required deflection limit.
- Show holes, slots, edge distances, brackets and bearing faces on the fabrication drawing.
- Describe chemical exposure, temperature, UV exposure, fire-performance requirement and cleaning regime.
Cutting, drilling and joining
GRP flat bar can be cut and drilled with suitable carbide or diamond tooling. Control dust at source, use extraction and select respiratory, eye, skin and hearing protection from the task risk assessment and current safety data. Do not leave sharp fibres or unsealed damaged edges.
Holes and notches interrupt fibres and can govern the connection. Avoid unnecessary site drilling, keep adequate edge distance and use washers or bearing plates appropriate to the joint. Tightening should secure the assembly without crushing the laminate. Adhesive bonding, bolting or a combined detail must follow the system designer and adhesive manufacturer instructions.
Information to provide
| Design input | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Profile schedule | Width, thickness, length, quantity and identification mark. |
| Fabrication | Cut lengths, mitres, holes, slots, tolerances and edge treatment. |
| Service duty | Loads, supports, environment, temperature, fire and electrical requirements. |
| Connections | Fastener material, bracket geometry, bearing area and installation access. |
PULTRUDED STRUCTURAL PROFILES
GRP Flat Bars
Pultruded GRP flat bar for straps, packers, brackets, covers, stiffeners and fabricated corrosion-resistant details.
Flat material for connection and fabrication details
GRP flat bar is widely used for straps, brackets, packers, cover strips and local stiffening. Width and thickness should be selected around the real load path and fixing geometry.
Because drilled holes interrupt fibres and concentrate load locally, bolt diameter, edge distance, washers and backing details need deliberate design.
Where flat bar is useful
Straps and brackets
Fabricated connection pieces, ties and light brackets cut and drilled to a drawing.
Packers and cover strips
Spacing, closure and protective details in GRP frames and access assemblies.
Local reinforcement
Designer-defined stiffeners and backing pieces where geometry and load transfer are verified.
Specify the section, direction and support
Pultruded GRP is directionally reinforced. Geometry, fibre direction, span, restraint, connection and service environment must be considered together when the profile carries load.
- Confirm width, thickness and fibre direction
- Show every hole and slot from a datum
- Provide adequate edge distance
- Use suitable washers or backing plates
- Check bending about the weak axis
Information needed for selection and quotation
| Input | What to confirm | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Section | Width, thickness, fibre direction and edge condition | Defines geometry, fit and available material data. |
| Length and quantity | Stock lengths, finished cuts, tolerance and piece count | Controls cutting yield, labelling and packing. |
| Structural duty | Span, supports, loads, deflection and restraint | Allows the designer to verify section suitability. |
| Preparation | Square cuts, mitres, holes, slots, notches or complex CNC shapes | Separates simple cutting from fabrication-ready preparation. |
| Environment | Moisture, chemicals, salt, UV, temperature, fire and electrical requirements | Influences resin, surface veil, colour and fixings. |
Cut, drill and CNC preparation
Supply can be arranged as full stock lengths, simple cut lengths or a drawing-led preparation package. CNC cutting is useful for repeated holes, slots, notches and complex shapes where controlled geometry and part identification reduce site work.
Send dimensioned drawings in a usable format and identify tolerances, datum faces, hole sizes, edge distances and whether cut edges require sealing or finishing.
Installation principles
- Support and restrain profiles as shown by the project design
- Use compatible corrosion-resistant fixings and backing details
- Avoid uncontrolled holes, notches and sharp internal corners
- Control GRP dust during cutting and drilling
- Check completed dimensions before installation
Final structural verification and connection design remain the responsibility of the project designer.
Frequently asked questions
Can grp flat bars be supplied cut to length?
Yes. Provide finished lengths, quantities, tolerances and a clear part reference. For holes, notches or complex geometry, include dimensioned drawings.
Can I use steel section sizes as a direct GRP substitute?
No. GRP has different stiffness, strength, connection and directional behaviour. The chosen section must be checked using product-specific data and the actual support and load case.
What should be shown on a cutting drawing?
Show the section, datum, overall length, angles, holes, slots, notches, tolerances, quantity, part mark and any edge-finish requirement.
Send the section schedule once
Combine section sizes, cut lengths, preparation, quantities and delivery requirements in one schedule. We can help route stocked material, cutting and technical questions efficiently.
Continue your profile order
Compare the family, calculate stock lengths, plan connections or send a finished cutting schedule.
Available to buy: GRP Flat Bars
Shop GRP flat bars for trims, packers, bracing, fabricated details and corrosion-resistant support work.