Success starts with the right materials
Thermoplastic Matrix
Widely used today, thermoplastics can be processed quickly into parts through thermal cycling. Rapid TPC can process composites with a wide range of thermoplastic matrix materials, from PETG & PP to PEI & PPS.
Fiber Reinforcement
Fibers can be embedded in plastic to augment strength, stiffness, and durability to make lightweight and strong parts. Example fiber reinforcements include:
Carbon
Glass
Organic
Metal
Fibers can be added as unidirectional, or pre-woven into fabrics.
Performance materials. Fast.
Why not use carbon or glass filled thermoplastic with injection molding?
In cases where strength and stiffness , or strength to weight ratio matters, continuous fiber thermoplastic composites outmatch other polymer and classic injection molding solutions. A great example can be seen in the chart comparing the strength of polymer to IM-filled to continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic.
Qualitative influence of fiber length on performance
Why not use traditional (thermoset) epoxy or urethane matrix composites?
As a material class, thermoplastic composites offer superior properties and advantages to standard thermosets in a few key areas, including
Impact durability (6-10 times better on average)
Reduced energy consumption & consumables
Unique secondary processing options are an option
Cycle time potential allows for economies of scale
From a business perspective, thermoplastic matrix composites can reach vastly improved economies of scale and achieve high rates of manufacturing (up to hundreds of times faster than some epoxy cure times). Because of the production process, production quantity needs can be met on tighter deadlines without the QC challenges and scrap rates associated with thermosetting matrix composites.
Check out some of the ways our customers have benefitted from using thermoplastic composites for their applications here.
Qualitative cost comparison: thermoset vs thermoplastic
Better recyclability
With no consumables, no toxic volatile organic chemical (VOC’s) involved in manufacturing, less energy input, and seriously easier to reuse and recycle, thermoplastic composites are more environmentally friendly than most thermoset composites.