What is a Chopper Gun?
Chopper guns are typically used by composite manufacturers in the automotive, marine, and fiberglass-reinforced plastics industries to apply a mixture of fiberglass strands and resin to molds or surfaces. The chopper gun automates the process of cutting continuous fiberglass strands into smaller pieces, combining them with resin, and spraying the mixture onto a surface in a controlled manner.
Role of quality Chopper Cot and Feed Rollers
Within the chopper gun are a feed mechanism and a chopping mechanism. The feed mechanism uses rubber rollers to feed spooled fiberglass strands into the chopper mechanism. These feed rollers are critical to controlling the feed and ensuring consistency of flow. The chopping mechanism “chops” the longer fiberglass strands into short, uniform lengths against a rubber roller called a chopper cot (or anvil roller). The chopper cot provides a firm yet flexible surface that allows for the fiberglass strands to be chopped cleanly while preventing damage to the fibers and cutting blades.
After the fibers are chopped, they need to be evenly mixed with resin at the nozzle before application. Even distribution of resin across the fibers is aided by chopper cots, ensuring a thorough and consistent mixture. High-quality feed rollers and chopper cots like those made by Grand River Rubber & Plastics are critical for the precise application of fiberglass/resin mixture. A steady, even feed of fibers and resin allows the operator to achieve a superior result and eliminate the possibility of defects.
Cost and time savings
Through the application of gentle pressure, feed rollers and chopper cots keep fibers moving smoothly through the chopper mechanism, preventing the fibers from jamming inside the chopper gun. This minimizes interruptions in the process and helps maintain a continuous flow of fiberglass/resin mixture, which increases efficiency, reduces production time, and helps realize cost savings. The rollers also reduce the risk of damage to the fibers and ensure they retain their strength in the final composite product. 
Grand River Rubber & Plastics - manufacturing reliability and quality
Grand River Rubber & Plastics’ feed rollers and chopper cots are made with a proprietary blend of ingredients designed for maximum durability and wear resistance. (See our Materials Guide at this link). Made for use in a high-wear application, they extend the life of the chopper gun by reducing wear on other components. This results in reduced maintenance costs and replacement equipment. Chopper cot gun makers understand that an investment in quality rubber rollers supplied by Grand River Rubber enhances the efficiency, consistency, and durability of the guns, which in turn results in superior quality in composite manufacturing.
For more information visit www.grandriverrubber.com or contact Alan Blankenship, ablankenship@grrp.com, 440-998-2900 x154