CANZ Glossary of Terms

Method of closed moulding in which reinforced plastics are moulded between two close-fitting metal moulds mounted in hydraulic press. Generally considered most economical mass production method for manufacturing FRP parts in large volumes.

Large enough to be visible at magnification of 60x or less.

Acronym for Maximum Achievable Control Technology Standards established by the EOA in response to the 1990 Clean Air Act, Section 112. These standards set forth regulations for reduced emissions of Hazardous Air Pollutants (see ‘HAP’).

Archaic term formerly used to describe convex surface or outside edge or feature.

Elongated mould around which resin-impregnated fibre, tape or filaments are wound to form structural shapes or tubes.

Quantity of matter contained in a specific body. In reference to polyesters, mass is measured in terms of weight and/or volume.

A full scale representation of the intended part, usually retained as a reference and the part from which production moulds are made.

Material in which fibre reinforcements of composite system is imbedded. Thermoplastic and thermoset resin systems can be used, as well as metal and ceramic.

Abbreviation for methyl ethyl ketone; colourless flammable liquid commonly used in spray gun clean-up procedures. Good for cleaning Epoxy Resins.

Abbreviation for methyl ethyl ketone peroxide; free radical source commonly used as initiator for polyesters in FRP industry.

Cracks formed in composites when thermal stresses locally exceed strength of matrix.

Small enough to require magnification much greater than 10x to be visible.

Carbon or glass used for making fibre-filled putty or C strands hammer-milled into short fibre lengths of 1/32 inch, 1/16-inch, 1/8 inch and ¼ inch.

Unit used in measuring film thickness and diameter of fibre strands, glass, wire, etc., (one mil = .001 inch).

An engineering term used to describe a material’s ability to bend without losing its ability to return to its original physical properties.

Pick-up of water vapour from air by a material. Relates only to vapour withdrawn from air by a material; must be distinguished from water absorption, which is a gain in weight due to take-up of water by immersion.

The tool used to fabricate the desired part shape. Also used to describe the process of making a part in a mould.

A wax or polymer compound that is applied to the mould surfaces acts as a barrier between the mould and the part, thus preventing the part from bonding to the mould.

The process of using a mould to form a part.

A constituent of polyester or vinyl ester resin. Styrene monomer is most commonly used.