With the development of the chemical industry, the performance of various non-metallic materials is getting stronger and stronger, and they are widely used in all walks of life. For example, glass fiber reinforced plastic, carbon fiber, etc. are widely used in aerospace, navigation, vehicles, construction and other fields. Now let's discuss the two materials that are often used in RV body exterior panels-glass fiber reinforced plastic and aluminum sheet.
FRP- a plastic that is not steel
FRP, a fiber-reinforced plastic that is not steel, is commonly called FRP. The use of glass fiber reinforced plastics as exterior panels for RVs can be traced back to the United States in the 1970s. With the development of the domestic RV industry, major domestic RV manufacturers have generally used this process on their own products.
The use of glass fiber reinforced plastic as the exterior trim of RV mainly focuses on the following characteristics of glass fiber reinforced plastic
1.Good water resistance, corrosion resistance, oil resistance and solvent resistance
FRP is an excellent waterproof, corrosion-resistant, oil-resistant and solvent-resistant material, so it is widely used in military, aerospace, navigation and other fields and has withstood various harsh environments.
2. Excellent heat insulation and noise reduction ability
The thermal conductivity of FRP is only 1/100~1/1000 of that of metal. It is an excellent thermal insulation material. Coupled with the high-density polyurethane insulation layer used in the middle layer of FRP, the integrated FRP compartment can have good sound insulation and insulation. Thermal performance, can bring a comfortable experience of warm in winter and cool in summer, and the cabin is relatively quiet when driving at high speed.
3. Convenient maintenance and low cost
The maintenance cost of FRP is low, the speed is fast, and the strength remains unchanged after the repair. Small areas of damage can be repaired by car owners with strong hands-on ability.
Aluminum body-the choice of lightweight
Although the aluminum body was adopted by American RV companies in the last century, domestic RV companies did not follow up due to cost considerations in the early stage. In recent years, with the maturity of the technology and the pursuit of lightweight vehicles, some companies have already used them. Aviation aluminum panels or paint-free color aluminum panels are used as exterior trim panels. The use of aluminum panels as exterior panels and skeletons for RVs has the following advantages.
1.Light weight and high strength
Due to the low density of aluminum plates and aluminum frame materials, the weight is relatively light. Therefore, the use of aluminum plate body and aluminum frame is beneficial to the lightweight of the whole vehicle, reducing the center of gravity and total mass of the vehicle, and improving the safety of driving.
The aluminum frame can greatly improve the structural strength of the vehicle. Even if the vehicle rolls over, it can still maintain the structural integrity of the vehicle compartment and ensure the safety of the occupants to the greatest extent.
2. Higher flatness and more beautiful car body
Compared with the glass fiber reinforced plastic body, the aluminum plate body can provide higher flatness and improve the beauty of the vehicle.
The disadvantages of FRP and aluminum are as follows
Disadvantages of fiberglass body
1. Relatively heavier. In order to ensure the strength of the body, RV companies generally thicken the fiberglass body.
2. The production process is long and the cycle is long. If there is no existing car, it may take a longer time to pick up the car.
Disadvantages of aluminum body
1. It is not easy to repair. If a bump occurs, it is difficult to repair once a small dent appears
2. Test the manufacturer's waterproof process. There is a possibility of water leakage at the joint between the FRP roof and the aluminum body, which is a test of the level of waterproof technology, so it is necessary to buy a large factory car
Maintenance recommendations for the FRP shell:
1. Avoid contacting with sharp and hard objects. Avoid sharp objects in contact with the car body during daily use of the car, resulting in scratches.
2. If damage is found, repair it in time. Check the car body frequently, and repair it in time to prevent sand, gravel and water from entering and accelerating damage if the resin is peeled off or the fibers are exposed.
3. The surface of the RV should always be kept clean.
4. Avoid prolonged exposure to the hot sun. Under conditions, try to park the RV in a cool place to prevent the glass fiber reinforced plastic from losing its color and accelerating aging.
Learn more about FRP panels for RV or caravan, please click the link below:
https://www.frpexpert.com/frp-panel/malaysia-frp-panel-for-box-van.html