Myths
Manufacturing
A mechanised manufacturing process utilises a fully automated track mounted roving machine as both the glass filament windings and resin are applied. This sophisticated high quality manufacturing method optimises the usage of materials, thus considering costs, resources and our environment. The filament winding machine is operated at calculated speeds whilst moving alongside the rotating mandrels to achieve maximum winding angles. BEKA Schréder GRP poles are manufactured through the filament winding process whereby continuous glass rovings are fed through a polyester resin bath and wound at an even tension onto a rotating mandrel, resulting in a mass to resin ratio of 70:30 and making full use of the tensile strength of the glass filament which is more than that of steel. After the winding process has been completed, the glass filament structure is cured and then removed from the mandrel for surface preparation. A base coat of polyester resin that complies with the requirements of SANS 1749 is applied, thereafter the cured structure is further machined to receive a final gel coat that is applied to a uniform thickness of between 250 and 500 microns. In the mechanical assembly process, the pole is machined to provide holes for baseplate hookbolts, cable entries, access door openings, as well as any other details required. Spigot arrangements and surface baseplates, where required, are moulded into the pole and secured in position with locking screws. Throughout the manufacturing process, the pole is subjected to stringent quality checks and tests.
“Glass fibre poles whip around in the wind...” Due to the unique process of glass filament winding, standard BEKA Schréder GRP poles are designed to withstand a wind pressure of 500 Pa on a projected luminaire area of 0.20m 2 . Some of our most satisfied customers are situated in coastal environments subjected to high winds. All BEKA Schréder GRP poles are designed and manufactured with a safety factor of 2,5.
“Glass fibre poles are deteriorated by sunlight...” The ultraviolet rays in sunlight will deteriorate only unprotected glass fibre. This has been eliminated by pigmenting the resin and the application of a polyester gel coat with UV inhibitors to the surface of the pole structure.
“Glass fibre poles cannot support big headloads...” Each BEKA Schréder glass fibre pole is individually engineered by factoring in the weight, projected area and windloading requirements of the installation site. The most demanding installation is easily achieved by a pre- engineered BEKA Schréder glass fibre pole.
“Glass fibre poles are made out of plastic...” BEKA Schréder glass fibre poles are manufactured by the filament winding process where continuous glass rovings are fed through a polyester resin bath and wound at an even tension onto a rotating mandrel, resulting in a mass glass to resin ratio of 70:30, making full use of the tensile strength of the glass filament which is more than that of steel.
Automated track mounted winding machine
Accurate, consistent computer-controlled winding process
Hinged glass fibre pole
Winched glass fibre pole
Winding of glass filament
Drilling machine
Heavy duty access door cover
Glass filament windings
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