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ABS, HIPS, or Polycarbonate? Selecting the Right Material for Impact and UV Resistance

Side-by-side comparison of a cracked, UV-damaged plastic housing versus a durable, impact-resistant enclosure manufactured

Why is your outdoor enclosure cracking after six months? Or why did that prototype shatter when dropped from a workbench? If you’re asking these questions, you’re likely battling the “Triangle of Trade-offs” in thermoplastic selection: Cost, Toughness, and Weatherability. At BLG Fiberglass, we see this constantly in our vacuum forming projects. You want the price […]

The “Stuck Part” Nightmare: 5 Rules for Vacuum Forming Draft Angles & Undercuts

Cross-section illustrating how deep texture requires extra draft angle to prevent drag marks.

There is a specific feeling of dread that every product designer knows. It happens when you’re standing on the shop floor, watching the machine cycle. The sheet heats up, the mold raises, the vacuum pulls tight, it looks perfect. Then, the operator hits “release.” And nothing happens. The part is seized onto the tool. The […]

Vacuum Forming vs. Fiberglass Molding: Which Manufacturing Process is Right for Your Project?

fiberglass vs vacuum forming surface finish comparison

In the world of custom manufacturing, engineers and product designers are often stuck between a rock and a hard place. You either pay astronomical tooling costs for injection molding or endure the slow, labor-intensive process of fabricating parts by hand. But what if there was a middle ground? A sweet spot that offers speed, durability, […]

Fiberglass in Renewable Energy: Wind Turbine Blades

fiberglass wind blades

Wind energy is one of the cornerstones of all global renewable energy strategies. Modern wind farms efficiently transform natural airflow into electric power, but the usually not-recognized star of the show is the blade of the wind turbine. These blades need to be large, strong, and lightweight, while withstanding extreme environmental conditions. The material making […]

Types of Fiberglass: CSM, Woven Roving & Material Science

fiber glass roll

Not all composite materials are created equal. When engineering a structural component, the specific variant of reinforcement you choose directly affects tensile strength, weight, production cost, and long-term durability. This technical guide covers the primary categories of reinforcement used in industrial manufacturing, the chemical distinction between raw threads and cured composites, and how to match […]

Top 5 Fiberglass & Composite Trends in 2026

Fiberglass sheet

Fiberglass and composite materials are taking on a central role in manufacturing. They influence how we create everything from cars to boats to medical devices. Their lightweight nature, strength, and flexibility make them essential in various industries. As we move into 2026, several trends are emerging that are changing the landscape of composites. Manufacturers are […]

How to Choose the Right Thermoplastic Sheet for Your Part

thermoplastic machine

When designing a plastic component or part, selecting the right thermoplastic sheet is crucial to guarantee it meets performance, durability, and functionality requirements. The conditions a part will face – whether impact, heat, or chemical exposure – can greatly influence which material is best suited. For instance, the transparent sheeting used in bus windows requires […]

How Custom Plastic Enclosures Boost Durability and Design

close up of gloved hands working with a roller

At BLG Fiberglass, we understand that protecting your product is just as important as designing it. Custom plastic enclosures safeguard components, extend product life, and give you the flexibility to create designs that stand out. Here’s why investing in a custom enclosure makes a real difference. How Plastic Enclosures Boost Product Durability Durability isn’t just […]