Chopped strand mat (CSM) is used in fiberglass reinforced plastics (FRP). It consists of glass fibers laid randomly across each other and held together by a binder. CSM is typically processed using the hand lay-up technique, where sheets of material are placed on a mold and brushed with resin. Because the binder dissolves in resin, the material easily conforms to different shapes when wetted out. After the resin cures, the hardened product can be taken from the mold and finished. Using chopped strand mat gives the fiberglass isotropic in-plane material properties.
A variety of widths and weights are available. Most combinations of weights and widths can be supplied (may be subject to minimum order quantities, extended lead times and complementary widths).
| Unit | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Density | g/m² | 100 – 900 |
| Moisture | % | ≤0.2 |
| Fiber Length | mm | 50 |
| Roll Width | mm | 200 to 3200 |
| Normal Roll Width | mm | 1040 / 1250 |
| Roll Weight | kg | 30 to 70 |
| Solubility in styrene | s | ≤40 |
| Appearance | color | White |
| Application | Compression molding and also can be used in filament winding, hand lay up process and continuous laminating processes. | |