Courtesy of
Royal Fiberglass Pools

What resin types or systems do you use in the manufacture of your gel coats?

Low-HAP, NPG hybrid resins for low-HAP gel coats, NPG-ISO resins for standard gel coats and vinyl ester resins and miscellaneous types for a variety of end use applications.

Are all NPG/Isophthalics the same?

No. There are an infinite number of resins that can be categorized as NPG-ISO. HK's NPG/Isophthalics are manufactured using our own formulas, and they are then toll made by specified resin manufacturers to our requirements.

What effect does the molecular weight of a base resin have on a gel coat system?

With any given formula molecular weights have a profound influence on blister resistance, hardness, cure speed, and mechanical properties such as tensile and flexural strength and modulus. However, it is possible through formulating, to make a superior performing resin that has a lower molecular weight than another resin with a higher molecular weight but different formula.

What does "automated manufacturing" really mean?

It means that the loading of gel coat raw materials into batches is controlled by a computer, rather than individual weighing by an operator. An automated raw materials delivery system is many times more accurate than manual.

What does "the leader in low-HAP gel coats" really mean?

It means that HK Research is the only gel coat company in the United States that offers low-HAP gel coats in every open mold category.

Why do you only produce in North Carolina?

Automated gel coat plants are akin to other automated facilities in higher initial capital cost. But their efficiency is so high and quality and consistency so good that it makes sense to have only one plant.

What is your R&D to manufacturing ratio?

It's the highest in the industry. 25% of all HK Research employees are in R&D or Quality Control.

Why is "Quality Control under the laboratory" a big deal?

This operating policy allows important ship/no ship decisions to be made by technically oriented employees and guarantees that only the highest quality gel coats reach our customers.

What types of tests can you run in your Applications Laboratory?

HK Research's Applications Laboratory is equipped with three industrial air/air assist spray systems, all with fluid impingement capability, a cultured marble and FRP manufacturing area, QUV-A instruments, boil testers, Turtle Box testers, thermal cycle tester and more.

What portion of your business is gel coats?

Approximately 80%.

Do you have a "preferred" catalyst to be used with your gel coats?

Yes. Gel coats work much better with standard methyl ethyl ketone peroxides that use only dimethyl phthalate carriers.

Do I have to buy special equipment to use HK Research's low-HAP gel coats?

No.

Who do I contact for a sample or trial?

If you are interested in obtaining a sample of any HK Research products, you may contact us by phone at (800) 334-5975 or e-mail salesinfo@hkresearch.com.

What is the shelf life of your gel coats?

HK Research warrants all products to stay within specification for a period of 90 days from date of manufacture.

Should I expect less pre-lift when using low-HAP gel coats when compared to their high-HAP counterparts?

Yes. Because of the higher solids in low-HAP formulations you get less shrinkage, which minimizes the chances of pre-lift.

Are low-HAP gel coats available in various colors?

Yes. They are available to match most any shade desired, from whites to deep colors.

Who do I contact if I should have a problem with the products I purchase from HK Research?

Our technical staff is available Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM. They can be contacted by phone (800) 334-5975 or via e-mail techinfo@hkresearch.com.

Low-HAP gel coats are available in many colors.