Product Overview
High Load Molded FRP Grating (HLC)
High Load Capacity molded grating is a one-piece molded fiberglass panel engineered to support heavy point and wheel loads (including forklift traffic) that conventional molded gratings cannot safely carry. It combines a high-glass, high-resin construction with a denser load-bar geometry and anti-slip surface options to deliver vehicle-grade performance in corrosive environments.
Key Advantages
Key AdvantagesDesigned for vehicular & forklift loads (HLC series).
Corrosion-resistant: ideal for chemical, marine and petrochemical environments.
Lightweight vs. steel — reduces structural support and installation cost.
Fire performance options and grit anti-slip surfaces available (A/O grit, ASTM E-84 options).
Cut-to-size, bonded edges, and closed perimeter options for vehicular service.
Typical Applications
Industrial yards and loading platforms for forklifts and pallet trucks.
Petrochemical and refinery tank farm platforms where corrosion and vehicle loads coincide.
Marine and offshore service platforms with vehicular access.
Heavy-duty maintenance platforms, wash bays and heavy equipment rooms.
Replacement of corroded steel grating where long-term life-cycle cost matters.
Product Details & Technical Description
Construction & Materials
HLC molded grating is manufactured as a one-piece molded panel with load-bars in both directions. It uses high-glass content reinforcement and resin systems selected for chemical resistance and flame performance (manufacturer options include standard polyester, corrosion-resistant vinyl ester/Corvex®/Vi-Corr® types). Surface finishes: smooth or aluminum-oxide (A/O) grit for slip resistance.
Standard Panel Sizes & Mesh
Standard finished panel sizes: 4′ × 8′ and 6′ × 4′ (cut-to-size available).
Common depths: 1″ (25 mm), 1.5″ (38 mm), 2″ (51 mm) — HLC commonly supplied in 1.5″ and 2″ depths for vehicular use.
Typical mesh / load bar pattern: rectangular 1″ × 2″ or similar close mesh for HLC; open area for some HLC styles ≈ 48%.
Finish & Accessories
Aluminum oxide (A/O) grit surface for coefficient-of-friction (COF) boost.
Bonded or closed perimeter bars for forklift wheels.
Edge clips, panel connectors and stainless steel anchors for vehicular installations.
Key Specifications
Values originate from high load capacity molded grating data and load tables. Always verify final spans/loads with the manufacturer’s load tables and project engineer.
| Property | Typical Value | Notes / Source |
|---|---|---|
| Finished panel sizes | 4′ × 8′ (1220 × 2440 mm); 6′ × 4′ (1830 × 1220 mm) | Standard; cut-to-size available. |
| Depths available | 1″ (25 mm); 1.5″ (38 mm); 2″ (51 mm) — HLC commonly 1.5″ & 2″ | HLC engineered for vehicular loads. |
| Mesh / Load bar | 1″ × 2″ rectangular (HLC typical) | Open area ≈ 48% for HLC styles. |
| Approx. panel weight | 6.2–8.4 lb/ft² (HLC examples) | See product datasheet for exact style weights. |
| Surface resistivity / finish | Aluminum oxide grit or smooth (non-conductive standard) | Options for anti-slip & fire retardant. |
| Typical temp range | −40 °F to +302 °F (−40 °C to +150 °C) (dependent on resin) | Consult resin spec for elevated temp. |
| Fire rating | Certain HLC variants meet ASTM E-84 Class I / Flame spread ≤ 25 | Fibergrate HLC brochure. |
Load & Span Guidance
HLC is engineered for vehicular traffic (including forklifts). Manufacturer load tables list allowable spans and concentrated/uniform loads for different depths and wheel loads — always design from the manufacturer’s published load tables and apply appropriate safety/deflection criteria. Example: Fibergrate HLC load tables document allowable uniform and concentrated loads and show specific allowable spans for 1.5″ and 2″ HLC panels under 1- to 5-ton forklift scenarios.
Example figures from published HLC load tables (for illustration only — validate per project):
At a 24″ clear span, Fibergrate HLC 2″ panel shows a maximum recommended uniform load ≈ 9,000 psf (ultimate capacity ≈ 22,500 psf in the table) — see official load tables. (conversion: 9,000 psf ≈ 431 kPa).
Important: These numerical examples come from manufacturer load tables and are span-dependent. For safe design always consult the exact load table row that matches your span, wheel width, wheel load and desired deflection limit.
Comparison: HLC Molded FRP vs Alternatives
| Feature | HLC Molded FRP Grating | Steel Grating | Aluminum Grating | Pultruded FRP Grating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | Excellent — long service in corrosive media. | Poor in corrosive environments unless coated. | Good, but galvanic risk in some settings. | Very good; typically pultruded has higher stiffness but different load behavior. |
| Weight | Light (lower support cost) | Heavy (higher support & installation cost) | Lighter than steel but heavier than FRP | Similar light weight, higher stiffness than molded in certain spans. |
| Vehicular / forklift use | Engineered varieties (HLC) available — check load table. | Readily supports vehicles (steel standard). | Can support vehicles depending on design. | Some pultruded types are rated for heavy loads; check product lines. |
| Maintenance & life-cycle cost | Low (no rust, low upkeep) | High (corrosion maintenance) | Moderate | Low to moderate |
| Fire performance | Options meeting ASTM E-84 available | High | Moderate | Varies by resin (phenolic/pultruded choices) |
Installation Notes
Order panels with load-bar orientation matched to predominant wheel direction (manufacturer usually orients load bars across the shorter panel dimension for vehicle use).
Request vehicular/vehicle-load closure (closed edges) and specify bonded seams where forklifts cross joints.
Supply wheel width, wheel load, expected spans and target deflection (e.g., max 0.25″) to supplier so they can pick the correct HLC style and span.
Standards & Resources
Manufacturer load testing generally follows ANSI / ACMA FRP Grating test methods and published load tables.
ASTM F3059 and other industry standards cover fire and performance guidance for composite gratings in certain applications (see Strongwell reference).
Download manufacturer HLC datasheet & load tables (example: Fibergrate HLC datasheet & HLC load tables).
FAQ
Q1 — Can high load capacity molded grating carry forklifts?
A: Yes. high load capacity molded grating is specifically engineered to support forklift and vehicular wheel loads. Manufacturer load tables show allowable spans for 1-, 3- and 5-ton forklift classes — always choose the panel depth and span that match your wheel load & wheel width.
Q2 — What panel size and depth should I order for a loading platform?
A: Standard HLC panels are 4’×8′ or 6’×4′; for vehicular loads HLC is commonly supplied in 1.5″ (38 mm) or 2″ (51 mm) depths. Provide wheel loads and span to the supplier so they can specify the correct HLC style per load tables.
Q3 — How does fiberglass HLC compare cost-wise to steel?
A: Initial material cost may be higher or comparable, but total life-cycle cost is often lower for HLC due to little/no corrosion maintenance, reduced structural support needs (because of lower weight), and lower replacement frequency. Consider whole-life cost models.
Q4 — Can HLC be used in classified hazardous areas?
A: Yes — HLC can be used in hazardous environments when appropriate resin and surface choices are made and when grounding, ventilation and local ATEX/NEC rules are followed. Confirm site classification and follow local codes.
Q5 — Where can I get the official load tables?
A: Manufacturer technical pages and product PDFs (e.g., Fibergrate HLC datasheet and HLC load tables) provide downloadable load tables and span charts—use those definitive tables for design.
