PPG Industries’ fiber glass business recently announced it is currently customer-testing outside payout applications of its direct draw reinforcement material. An outside-in payout application minimizes the twist of filaments and allows manufacturers to create thinner and denser, yet more lightweight layers of laminate, according to Greg Terchick, PPG sales director for fiber glass reinforcements in the Americas.

“Products such as flexible pipe cannot be manufactured with any other type of material payout,” Terchick said. “Offering outside payout for PPG thermoset materials will enable our customers in the pipe and tank industries to create stronger products that achieve higher performance using the same amount of or less glass.”

According to Kevin McDonald, PPG general manager of fiber glass reinforcements in the Americas and EMEA, “Not only can our customers get better performance and strength results with outside payout, they can explore and enter markets not available to them with conventional payout applications.”

PPG is developing this direct draw packaging application in the U.S. with global launch and availability expected by the fourth quarter of 2011. The company also offers outside payout in thermoplastic material with TUFROV® long fiber thermoplastic (LFT) products.

For more information, visit www.ppgfiberglass.com.