Composites

Composites are at the center of our work. Learn why we are passionate about it and maybe why you should be too.

The benefits

Strength

1 pound of composites is stronger than 1 pound of many other materials, including steel. It is the fibers and the resins that give composites most of their strength. While the fibers carry the load, the resins distribute the weight throughout the composite part according to the requirements.

Lightweight

The strength of composites doesn’t have the weight downside of many other materials. Composites are lighter than most metals and woods. And this benefit is crucial for many sectors as the lightweight enables efficiency and lower costs in the transportation sector and any application that requires installations.

Resistance

Because of their resistance performance, composites are a very good choice for products exposed to constant stresses like temperature fluctuations, wind, toxic chemicals and many other harsh conditions including salt water. That makes them even fit to infrastructure such as bridge decks.

Design Flexibility

Composites allow designers, engineers and architects an unexpected freedom of creativity. They are flexible yet relatively low cost. They are ideal for curvy, complex shapes and offer the possibility to use a combination of various materials. As for the finish, it can simulate about any texture. Every project can be unique.

Durability

Composites make products that last. A long life span, plus a low maintenance advantage makes composites the winning choice for multiple applications—Thanks again to its resistance to fatigue and environmental factors (UV, temperature variations, moisture, chemicals, etc.).

The applications

The applications are numerous. Composites have proven its place in a variety of markets including Aerospace, Transportation, Energy, Infrastructure, Architecture, automotive, Marine, Oil & Gas and Recreation.

Comparison

How do composites compare to widely used materials such as steel, aluminum, wood and granite? Should you consider converting to composites?

Composites vs Steel

Composites are lighter
Composites are strong and can be custom-reinforced in critical areas
Composites are corrosion resistant
Composites are nonconductive
Composites allow part consolidation—one part can replace a whole metal assembly

Composites vs aluminum

Composites handle better tension loads
Composites allow more precise weight distribution
Composites absorb vibrations better
Composites can make one part designs
Composites are strong and flexible—they can bend more without breaking
Composites don’t rust

Composites vs wood

Composites are low maintenance—no need to repaint, sand, or power wash
Composites are durable & resistant—they don’t rot and are resistant to pests
Composites are dimensionally stable—they retain their shapes and sizes when facing temperature and humidity variations

Composites vs granite

Composites are low maintenance—no need to repaint, sand, or power wash
Composites are durable & resistant—they don’t rot and are resistant to pests
Composites are dimensionally stable—they retain their shapes and sizes when facing temperature and humidity variations

The materials

On the basis, Composites result from the combination of a fiber reinforcement and a resin that bonds the fibers. They can also include specific additives, fillers, core materials and surface finishes.

Resins

The matrix that bonds the fibers.

At BHS Composites, we use thermoset resins. Thermoset resins are used to make most of the composites. Here are the resins we use:

Polyester
Vinylester
Epoxy
Polyurethane
Acrylic

Reinforcements

The fibers that provide different mechanical properties.

So many possibilities. Different types of fibers that come in different forms. And yes, both the type and the form will influence the mechanical properties of the product.

At BHS, the products that we make are made of one type or a combination of fibers that come in different forms. Here are the types of fibers that we use:

Fiberglass type E or S
Carbon fiber
Natural fiber (flax)
Basalt
Kevlar

Additives & fillers

Modify + enhance resin properties.

Additives :

Fire retardant
UV inhibitors & stabilizers
Suppressant
Colorants & pigments
Phosphorescent minerals
Thixotropic
Conductive additives
Release agents
Quartz & silica

Catalysts/Initiators—Initiate the reaction

Promoters—Prepare the reaction with the catalyst

Inhibitors—Slow the rate of reaction

Accelerators—speed curing process

Fillers

Core

For Stiff & Lightweight composite products.

Balsa

Foam:

Cross-Linked PVC
Polyurethane
Linear PVC
Polymethacrylimide (PMI)
Fiber Reinforced Core

Aluminum Honeycomb

Surface finishes

Esthetics & Durability of the product.

Gel Coat

Painting

Anti vandalism

The processes

We know the strengths of every process we offer and this is why you can rely on us to use the best process for your desired product.

Here are our different composites manufacturing processes: