Cold is not a common factor in Central Florida. Especially when a daily activity such as manufacturing FRP pipe comes into play, severe cold that alters shop floor conditions can bring forward unique challenges.
Here in Lakeland, we are part of the very popular conversation currently about Florida experiencing a historic November coldfront in 2025. It’s so cold that even waterparks which part of major theme parks who are our clients are having to temporarily shut down.
According to Central Florida Meteorologist Eric Burris, this is the coldest air of the season so far, and this is the earliest we have experienced a significant temperature drop since 1993. Another Meteorologist Dave Osterberg adds to the chilly sentiment, stating nearby Tampa Bay broke a 133-year-old record for low temperature.
That being said, when the IPS standard optimal temperature for manufacturing FRP is 75 degrees, what does a manufacturer do when the weather outside is frigid? This is a question likely on the mind of clients who specifically chose an FRP manufacturer in a warmer region of the country.
As we approach 50 years in business, we wanted to give a peek behind the curtain at our manufacturing process at Industrial Plastic Systems. Composite Technician David Vanduyn shows in this video how a propane infrared heater, which heats objects directly, helps an FRP pipe still be made under deadline despite the lower temperatures.
Lowered from the ceiling and operating at a toasty 749.1 Fahrenheit, the 18.5 inch internal diameter fiberglass reinforced plastic product only needed about a half hour for curing. “The promotion in the resin should be good for all the specs, usually doing around 70 to 75 degrees F,” David says. “It’s just because of the outside temperature, what it is today, being one of the coldest days we’ve had in a long time.”
In prior years, such as the displayed photo from decades ago, coil heaters were used to help cure the composite in similar cold weather conditions. However, these tools and similar ones such as torpedo heaters are not optimal for FRP, as well as posing potential fire hazards.
Ultimately, FRP is great for extreme weather conditions, and cold weather is no different. The composite is quickly becoming a replacement for concrete and steel for vehicle bridges, pedestrian bridges, and rail platforms due to being corrosion resistant. This is vital when dealing with road salt and de-icers for areas prone to snow.
Need a quote, or have other questions about FRP? Call us at 863-646-8551 or fill out a form, and we will be in touch with you soon!
Amanda Rosenblatt is the Marketing Manager and Archivist of IPS.