Coperion, in cooperation with ProTec Polymer Processing GmbH, reports that it can now offer complete installations for the production of long fiber reinforced thermoplastics (LFTs).
Components made of long fiber-reinforced plastics can have improved rigidity with low weight and increased impact resistance. Compared to short-fiber reinforced thermoplastics they also demonstrate improved mechanical and thermic material properties.
The production of long fiber reinforced thermoplastics takes place within the pultrusion process. Here glass, carbon, metal or natural fibers are mixed into a polymer matrix. Through the pultrusion process, the individual fibers of the strands are impregnated. A homogenous bond of carrier polymer and individual fiber results. Melting of the polymers and mixing of additives takes place within the extruder.
This story is reprinted from material from Coperion, with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier.
