Industrial materials explained: Composites and lightweight ramps
Lightweight ramps may seem like an oxymoron to you – and with good reason. Traditionally ramps were made exclusively from heavy materials including many types of metal so people do not usually think about versions being light. However advancing technology has meant that lightweight ramps can now be manufactured.
Here’s the science bit: Lightweight ramps are made from moulded fibreglass. Put simply this consists of a plastic material reinforced by tint strips of glass. The material is combined with resin and a catalyst and usually heated which bonds it together as it dries. The result is an extremely strong substance which is a fraction of the weight of its metal counterpart but even stronger. Another popular composite is carbon fibre, which has better load-bearing capabilities but is much more expensive and brittle, so the best choice for items like lightweight ramps is fibreglass. The mould is often in a lattice shape so the final ramp comes out as gratings, which saves weight and makes it stronger than a flat sheet. Consequently fibreglass lightweight ramps are popular as they are relatively cheap and very strong.
As many ramps are used on vehicles like trucks to shift heavy objects, lightweight ramps are advantageous as they save on unnecessary weight and can consequently improve vehicle performance and economy while still providing an essential function. The beauty of a grated structure is that as well as strength and weight it also has anti-slip properties. Consequently grated flooring and lifted devices are popular at places like water works and offshore installations like oil rigs. Like steps can be finished with stair nosings, lightweight ramps often include of small edging strips to make them better at their job. This gives them a leading edge so items can be wheeled onto them.
Where can I find lightweight ramps of the best quality?
If you are searching for lightweight ramps you should take a look at Angliacomposites.co.uk. The company offers a range of safety solutions which are affordable and practical which includes fibreglass stair nosings so visit the website today for more information.