Polystrand produces reinforcing tape using a proprietary process that impregnates continuous fibre with a thermoplastic resin. Polystrand tapes generally range from 60-80 wt% continuous fibres and 20-40% thermoplastic resin, a high fibre-to-resin ratio that is difficult to achieve with traditional thermoplastic composite fabrication processes, the company says.
“The new Polystrand facility near Denver marks the opening of the largest facility of its kind in the world," claims Ed Pilpel, Polystrand President.
"It is the most technologically advanced, state-of-the-art production facility for continuous fibre reinforced thermoplastic composites.”
In June last year, the company announced plans to build a new 120 000 ft2 facility and expand its manufacturing operations from Montrose, Colorado, to be near a major transportation hub and support growth.
The new facility will enable Polystrand to produce up to 100 million lbs of reinforcing material annually.
Applications for the company’s products include transportation liners, aerodynamic components, threat-resistant armour and structural composite panels.
