In standard industrial environments, steel strut channel performs exceptionally well. But in corrosive, electrically sensitive, or chemically aggressive settings, metal channel can corrode, conduct electricity, or react with process chemicals — and that’s where fiberglass strut and fittings become the clear choice.

This guide covers everything you need to know about fiberglass framing systems: what they are, where they’re used, the product options available, and how to select the right system for your application.

What Is Fiberglass Strut Channel?

Fiberglass strut channel — also called FRP (fiber-reinforced polymer) channel or non-metallic strut — is structurally equivalent to standard metal strut channel but manufactured from glass-reinforced polymer resin instead of steel. The channel accepts the same nut-and-fitting assembly approach as standard strut systems, but delivers properties metal cannot match.

Steinco Industrial Solutions carries the Unistrut fiberglass framing line through our Unistrut product catalog. The system includes both light-duty and heavy-duty channel profiles, a comprehensive fitting range, and all required nuts, hardware, and closure strips.

What Are the Key Advantages of Fiberglass Strut?

  • Corrosion resistance: Fiberglass does not rust or corrode, making it ideal for chemical plants, wastewater treatment facilities, marine environments, and food processing operations where moisture and chemicals would quickly degrade steel
  • Electrical non-conductivity: Fiberglass is non-conductive, eliminating grounding requirements and making it safe for use around live electrical equipment
  • Lightweight: Fiberglass channel weighs approximately one-quarter the weight of equivalent steel channel, reducing installation labor and structural load on the supporting structure
  • Low thermal conductivity: Reduces heat transfer, beneficial in refrigeration, cryogenic, and extreme temperature applications
  • Transparency to RF signals: Does not interfere with radio frequency signals, important in telecommunications facilities and MRI rooms
  • Magnetic neutrality: Non-magnetic — required in MRI installations and certain scientific applications

Where Is Fiberglass Strut Commonly Used?

  • Chemical processing plants: Pipe supports and equipment frames in environments with acid, alkali, or solvent exposure
  • Wastewater treatment: Above and below grade support systems in the presence of hydrogen sulfide, chlorine compounds, and other corrosive gases
  • Food and beverage processing: Sanitizable support systems compliant with FDA and USDA requirements
  • Marine and offshore: Pipe and equipment supports in saltwater spray zones
  • Electrical substations: Non-conducting support structures around live electrical equipment
  • MRI facilities: Non-magnetic, non-conductive framing in scanner rooms
  • Swimming pools and aquatic facilities: Support systems in chlorinated water environments

What Fiberglass Strut Products Does Steinco Carry?

Fiberglass Channel

Steinco carries Unistrut fiberglass channel in two duty ratings and multiple profiles:

  • Light duty (1-1/8″ series): Available in standard and slotted configurations, including concrete insert profiles. Suitable for lighter pipe and conduit support applications. — available through light-duty fiberglass channel
  • Heavy duty (1-5/8″ series): Standard, slotted, and back-to-back configurations in both patented flange (PV) and SST profiles for maximum load capacity. Available through heavy-duty fiberglass channel

Fiberglass General Fittings

The fiberglass general fittings category includes the 90-degree fittings, U-shape fittings, Z-shape fittings, and flat plate fittings that allow building complete framing assemblies from non-metallic components.

Fiberglass Pipe and Beam Clamps

Fiberglass pipe and beam clamps provide non-metallic pipe support and structural attachment options, including rigid pipe clamps, two-hole pipe straps, molded clevis hangers, and molded beam clamps in sizes from 1/2″ to 18″.

Fiberglass Nuts, Hardware, and Closure Strips

Completing the non-metallic system, fiberglass nuts, hardware, and closure strips include channel nuts, hex nuts, bolts, washers, U-bolts, and channel capping strips — all manufactured from fiberglass-reinforced polymer.

Fiberglass vs. Stainless Steel Strut: How Do You Choose?

Both fiberglass and stainless steel strut are designed for corrosive environments, but they serve different applications:

  • Choose fiberglass when: electrical non-conductivity is required; weight is a critical factor; cost is a concern (FRP is typically less expensive than stainless); or the environment is chemically aggressive to metals
  • Choose stainless steel when: physical strength and impact resistance are paramount; the application involves food contact or medical sterilization; or the installation will carry heavy loads where FRP’s lower strength becomes limiting

In some facilities, both materials are used side-by-side — fiberglass in highly corrosive or electrically sensitive areas, and stainless in food-contact or high-load zones.

What Load Ratings Does Fiberglass Strut Have?

Fiberglass strut has lower load capacity than equivalent-profile steel channel, typically around 30–50% of the steel equivalent. This means span lengths must be shorter, or more supports must be added to carry the same load. Unistrut provides detailed load tables for both light-duty and heavy-duty profiles.

The key design parameters are:

  • Allowable bending load at a given span
  • Allowable tension and compression for structural members
  • Deflection limits (FRP has lower stiffness than steel; deflection often governs design before strength)

Frequently Asked Questions About Fiberglass Strut

Can fiberglass fittings be used with metal strut channel?

Some fiberglass fittings are dimensionally compatible with standard metal strut channel, but it’s generally not recommended to mix fiberglass and metal components in load-bearing applications. The different thermal expansion coefficients and stiffness values can create design complications. Consult the manufacturer’s guidance.

Is fiberglass strut UV-resistant?

Yes. Unistrut fiberglass channel is manufactured with UV inhibitors and is suitable for outdoor exposure. Surface degradation (chalking) may occur over time, but this doesn’t significantly affect structural performance.

How is fiberglass strut cut and drilled in the field?

Fiberglass strut is easily cut with standard carbide-tipped saw blades. Holes can be drilled with standard twist bits. Wear appropriate respiratory protection when cutting or drilling FRP, as glass fiber dust is an irritant. Sealing cut ends with compatible resin or gel coat is recommended in highly corrosive environments.

Source Fiberglass Strut and Fittings Through Steinco Industrial Solutions

Steinco Industrial Solutions carries the complete Unistrut fiberglass framing system — channel, fittings, pipe clamps, and hardware. Whether you’re designing a support system for a chemical plant, a water treatment facility, or an MRI suite, our team can help you select the right fiberglass components for your application.

With over 30 years of experience in industrial hardware and strut systems, Steinco is your trusted wholesale partner for specialty framing products. Contact us today for pricing and technical support, or browse our complete Unistrut product catalog online.