Fiberglass direct roving machines offer many benefits over older forms of industrial machinery. Much like the name indicates, this type of machine is specifically designed to move in a forward motion with little or no change to the material it's working with. Often made of epoxy resin, these pieces of equipment can be used for a wide variety of applications and are particularly useful for recycling efforts and disposing of materials that can no longer be used.
While much like its foam counterpart, fiberglass direct roving machine operates on a simple concept. Instead of containing an internal combustion engine to create exhaust, it contains a combustible core containing high density foam or polyurethane and a combustible material such as oil, gas, or gel. A small hole or channel is drilled into the surface to channel the foam or other material into the channel.
Depending on the material and its application, a foam insertion may be either a single or multiple pass process. Multiple passes generally employ a single cutter or series of cutters that are all simultaneously slicing through the foam. The high density of the foam itself negates the need for a secondary cutting blade to slice through it. This allows the operator to perform the task with significantly less manual effort than with traditional cutters.
In terms of the actual function of the cutter itself, it's worth noting that fiberglass doesn't possess much strength whatsoever. Fiberglass is essentially inert, so it won't break or splinter upon impact. Also, it's important not to confuse a "divert" cut or a "cutout" in this context. A divert is a horizontal cut, while a cutter is a vertical cut. In addition, fiberglass typically only has a low static pressure rating, which means that the piece of equipment can be safely stopped without causing significant damage, albeit at a lower efficiency than higher performance concrete mixers.
Another major advantage of fiberglass is that it requires very little maintenance, as it is largely impervious to most chemicals. It also has a low to zero residual gas emissions, making emissions from it completely benign. This makes it a greener choice than concrete mixes that feature VOCs or volatile organic compounds. Additionally, it is 100% recyclable, making it a green alternative to traditional concrete, which can quickly outgas and then pollute the surrounding area once it breaks down.
The biggest drawback of fiberglass raking is that it can be somewhat costly to install. While it does offer extremely low maintenance costs, a single fiberglass cutter can easily cost upwards of a few hundred dollars. Fortunately, fiberglass direct raking is also available in other forms, including a liquid form that offers the same benefits as a fiberglass cutter, but is much more cost effective.