Item description: R70 Bumper FRP Composite w/ FRP Center Splitter . Is FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic ) composite material same as polyurethane ?
Here is an article describing aftermarket body kit materials in layman term that most of us can understand
http://www.fiberwerks.com/polyurethane,_fiberglass,_frp.htm
Fiberglass or FRP?
Don’t be fooled, Fiberglass and FRP are the same product. Some companies have tried to deceive people by implying that "FRP" is some sort of new highly flexible space age product. FRP stands for Fiber Reinforced Plastic, which is simply the non-trademarked name for fiberglass. Fiberglass resin is a form of plastic. Any material that has strands, cloth or mats and resins to make up their structure are called composites. Some after market companies add a second chemical to their resin to make the resin even more flexible, which aids during installation of a poorly fitting part, but there are side effects to this process. Most notable is that we've seen substantial warping and dimpling of these types of parts over several years of service when exposed to the sun and elements. In addition, repair of such a part is made more difficult due the varied chemicals used, which can cause a problem with what is called "secondary bonding." We have a few bumpers here at our shop, which were made by other companies to be more "flexible." They are bumpers that were left here by customers after having us install one of our bumpers on their car because they couldn't stand to look at the dimpled poor quality any longer.
Who Uses Fiberglass?
Specialty auto manufacturers that make limited production cars such as Ferrari make their bumpers out of a high quality fiberglass, as do we. I don’t recall every hearing a Ferrari owner wishing that his bumpers were made out of polyurethane! As with anything, there are different grades/qualities of fiberglass just as there are with plastics. In addition, most high-end limited production aftermarket companies such as ourselves, Techart, Gemballa, etc. also produce their parts primarily out of fiberglass, only they sell their parts at unreasonable prices and we believe in value. The benefits to fiberglass parts "FRP" when manufactured correctly are that they have excellent UV and chemical resistance, has a longer life expectancy than polyurethane, hold their shape over their lifetime, are very durable and strong having one of the highest strength to weight ratios, and are pound for pound stronger than steel, have low weight, perform better in extreme temperatures, salty or humid conditions. Fiberglass is actually more rugged than carbon fiber since it can flex farther without breaking. The biggest plus to fiberglass composite parts for bumper construction is that they are infinitely repairable. So, if damaged any body shop can repair it saving a lot of money over having to replace a factory bumper every time it gets damaged.
