Over the years, composite materials have proven to be an attractive alternative to traditional materials such as steel, concrete, and PE. The advantages of low cost, increased durability, high finish surface, and sustainability are often the main reasons for selecting composite.
What is the preferred choice for aquaculture tanks and why?
There are many misconceptions that composite materials are more expensive than traditional materials. However, this is not the case. Despite the pandemic, the Ukraine conflict, and subsequent supply chain challenges, composites/GRP remains a competitive material for a variety of applications.
Because of low material costs and easy manufacturing, composite materials are widely used in the boating industry, as well as in windmill production, tanks, and airplanes. And despite the current shortage of raw materials and the increased price of traditional materials, fiberglass has remained relatively unaffected.
– With regard to the shortage of materials, we are not experiencing this in any of the components that are included in GRP. We were concerned for a few months during «peek-Covid», but now that the market is normalized, we are comfortable even if our demand is increasing, adds Fredrik Faye – Technical Sales manager in HighComp.
How does this affect HighComp’s demand for FRP products like fish tanks, water treatment units, walkways etc.?
– We are tendering more than ever for clients who know our material and benefits, but also for clients who are set on building with alternative materials. This used to be region-specific, based on their knowledge and experience with different materials, but now it seems that the price hike along with the shortage has made our clients more interested in learning about the great advantages of building large constructions in GRP/composite throughout the world. Our products come with a significantly lower CO2 footprint than traditional materials like steel and concrete, says Faye.
Another advantage is that using HighComp’s solutions allow for a reduced overall construction period which is important for project economics. Short construction time equals reduced CAPEX.
– The first step in a project is getting our clients to challenge us with their engineering tasks. HighComp has all the engineering expertise and capabilities it needs in- house. We look at integration between the technology provider, construction, and operations. Then we add the local requirements for load-cases (including seismic loads) – and from there we create a design report which is the basis for production, Faye explains.
Compared to concrete or other traditional materials, HighComp can start production of the elements while clients are still doing their groundwork. Simply put; HighComp pre-produces all the products while operating offsite from the construction site – until we are able to fit into the schedule of our clients and suppliers.