FRP Pipes: Are They Glass or Steel?

Recently, Haihao Group completed production of a new batch of FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) pipe fittings for a valued customer. As FRP pipes gain popularity in municipal, chemical, power, and environmental sectors, many still find themselves puzzled by the name:

Is it made of glass? Or steel?

Let’s clear up the confusion and dive into what makes FRP pipes such a high-performance and versatile solution.

What are FRP pipes?

FRP pipes—short for Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic pipes—are a type of composite pipe made by combining glass fibers (as reinforcement) and resin (as a binding matrix). They are manufactured using advanced processes such as filament winding or centrifugal casting.

So, to answer the question: FRP pipes are neither glass nor steel. Instead, they are a composite material designed to combine the best properties of both.

FRP Pipes

What is “Glass” in FRP?

The “glass” refers to glass fiber, which is the reinforcement component in FRP pipes. These fibers are:

Lightweight but extremely strong

Highly resistant to corrosion and chemicals

Woven or wound in layers to enhance structural strength

The role of glass fibers is to provide the pipe with high tensile strength, rigidity, and mechanical stability—key for demanding industrial applications.

What is “Steel” in FRP?

While there is no actual steel in FRP, the term “steel” in “glass steel” (as it’s sometimes translated in Chinese) metaphorically refers to the mechanical strength and rigid structure of the finished product.

FRP pipes perform like steel in terms of load-bearing capacity and durability, but with several added advantages:

Lightweight, making transportation and installation easier

Non-metallic, offering excellent corrosion resistance

Low maintenance and long service life

Customizable in shape, size, and resin formulation

Main Components of FRP Pipes

Here’s a breakdown of what FRP pipes are made of:

Glass Fiber

• Acts as the skeleton of the pipe
• Provides mechanical strength and stiffness
• Key to the pipe’s structural integrity

Resin Matrix

• Binds the glass fibers together
• Forms the outer shape of the pipe
• Offers chemical resistance and environmental durability

Common resins include:

• Polyester Resin
• Epoxy Resin
• Vinyl Ester Resin

Conclusion: A Perfect Balance of Strength and Resistance

FRP pipes are a smart fusion of materials—combining the flexibility and chemical resistance of plastics with the strength and rigidity of steel-like glass fibers.

At Haihao Group, we specialize in producing high-quality FRP piping systems tailored to meet the needs of modern industries. Whether you’re building a municipal drainage system or a high-corrosion chemical plant, our FRP solutions are engineered to perform.

FRP is not just a material—it’s the future of piping.