Filament winding technology (CFW) - the strength and precision of GRP
Technology CFW (Continuous Filament Winding) allows the production of GRP pipes with high chemical resistance, stiffness and durability. Find out what the filament winding process is all about and why it's one of the most popular standards in the industry.
Modern GRP technology - what makes it special the CFW method?
Technology Continuous filament winding (CFW) is an advanced manufacturing process GRP composite tubes, based on a combination of glass fibre, polyester resin i filling materials. Precise control of every stage of production - from resin application to chamfering and testing - results in pipes with high peripheral stiffness, chemical resistance i pressure resistance, ideal for plumbing, industrial and infrastructure applications.
GRP pipe manufacturing process CFW method
CFW technology consists of continuous filament winding onto a cylindrical mandrel that rotates with high precision. The layers are then joined polyester resin, filler material (sand) and surface materials. The process is fully automated - controlled by systems PLC i PC, which guarantees high repeatability and the possibility of exact calibration for specific parameters (diameter, stiffness class, pressure). The high quality of the resulting tube ensures durability, resistance to chemical agents and mechanical reliability under all conditions.
What materials are used in CFW technology?
The basic material for GRP pipes is polyester resin - orthophthalic or terephthalic. For special design conditions, resins are also used isophthalic or vinyl ester, which allows the properties of the pipes to be adapted to aggressive chemical environments. In combination with glass fibre and sand as the core, a composite material with excellent technical performance and long service life is obtained.
Production of GRP pipes by Continuous filament winding (CFW)
The main device used in the process filament winding is a production line based on continuous steel belt, which, supported by beams, forms a rotating cylindrical pin.
During production, with the help of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and computer systems (PCs), on a pin layers of glass fibre, resin, sand as filler and surface materials are precisely applied. The PLC-PC system guarantees full control over the process, according to pre-programmed parameters.
Key technical data is entered into the system:
the diameter of the pipe, stiffness class and working pressure. The computer automatically calculates all production settings. The process parameters, in particular Tube wall thickness, are continuously monitored and archived, which allows full traceability of each batch produced.
Stage curing of the laminate is carried out through heating - used heating elements evenly raise the temperature in the curing zone. Temperature distribution is continuously measured at many points and presented graphically on a computer monitor, which maintains the highest quality of the final product.
Resin feeding takes place in parallel from two independent lines. At inner layer of pipes for corrosive applications is used special resin, while on outer layer and the pipe body - standard resin.
Thanks to the integrated cutting unit with axial and radial displacement, each pipe is cut cleanly and precisely, according to predefined dimensions. The entire cutting process takes place automatically once the appropriate pipe length has been programmed.
At the end of the production line, the pipes go to special jack stands, and then go through the section chamfering, calibration and hydrostatic tests, which attest to their durability and workmanship.
Gallery - Production of GRP pipes using the CFW process
See what it looks like professional production of GRP pipes in technology Continuous filament winding (CFW). We present photos of the various stages of the process - from the winding of the fibre, through curing and cutting, to quality testing. This method produces robust and precisely manufactured tubes for the most demanding applications.
