What is CSM fiberglass?

Asked by: Allan Keys

Fiberglass Mat, also known as Chopped Strand Mat or CSM for short, is a non-woven material typically used for laminate build-up and repair work. It consists of glass fibers laid randomly across each other and held together by a styrene binder.

What is CSM Fibre?

A CHOPPED STRAND MAT (CSM) Line produces Fiberglass MAT, which is one of the most popular forms of reinforcement for non-structural applications. The Chopped Strand Mat is a non-woven mat consisting of glass fibers laid randomly across each other and held together by a binder (emulsion or powder).

What is CSM in boat building?

$3.00 – $148.37. Long fiberglass strands laid randomly in a styrene binder. Also called CSM (chopped strand mat), non-woven fiberglass mat material is typically used for repair work and laminate build-up. Available in various lengths and three different weights.

What fiberglass is the strongest?

Woven Roving-This weave has long fibers weaved together like a cloth. It is extremely thick and durable making it heavier than other fiberglass materials. This often shows pattern through gelcoat and is used for heavy-duty items. Sold in 18 and 24 oz thickness.

What are the three types of fiberglass cloth?

All three are generally available in tow (pure unidirectional fiber form), veil mats, and woven fabrics. Fiberglass is also offered in a pressed chopped strand mat option.

How is chopped strand mat made?

Chopped strand mat is produced by chopping continuous strand roving into short 1.5 to 3 inch lengths and dispersing the cut fibers randomly over a moving belt to form a “sheet” of random fiber mat. A binder is applied to hold the fibers together and the mat is trimmed and rolled.

Can I use epoxy with CSM?

You can use epoxy to wet out CSM, but epoxy doesn’t dissolve the binder, so the wet-out CSM will remain white.

What is the difference between fiberglass cloth and mat?

Fiberglass mat has a higher density than fiberglass cloth. Fiberglass cloth is a layer of woven strands. It is strong, with a uniform appearance, and is used where the look of a project is important. The woven fibers do not intermesh with the fibers of other layers of fiberglass cloth.

Can I use epoxy resin with chopped strand mat?

The mat is made of high quality E-glass strands. It can be used with epoxy, polyester or vinyl ester resin, including West Systems epoxy. This chopped strand mat has a good wet out. It is quick to wet through and has high absorption.

How thick should fiberglass be?

How many layers of fiberglass cloth will it take to build up 1/4 inch of solid glass?

Is fiberglass mat compatible with epoxy resin?

Avoid using fiberglass mat with epoxy resins. The binder that holds the mat together is dissolved by the styrene in polyester resins. Epoxies don’t use styrene as a diluent, making it almost impossible to properly wet out the mat.