trendgineering
Chopped Fiber Processing
| Stefan Schierl, Thomas Drogi
Unusual approach leads to long fiber goal
Long-fiber-reinforced thermoplastics offer great potential not only in the automotive sector because of their high strength and low CO2 footprint. So far, however, their use has failed mainly for cost reasons. Together with Wirthwein, KraussMaffei has developed a new direct processing method for chopped glass fibers that overcomes these economic hurdles.
The new processing technology CFP (Chopped Fiber Processing) is suitable for standard injection molding machines and is based on a new patented screw.
This screw enables the direct processing of chopped glass fibers together with the matrix material, allowing both materials to be fed into the feed opening at the same time.
Compared to conventional direct processing methods that use continuous fiber rovings, the machine structure can be reduced by the fiber creel, fiber guide, fiber cutting unit and fiber feed.
The production of long-fiber-reinforced components using direct processing is significantly more economical and sustainable compared to the use of rod pellets (long-fiber pellets), as process steps such as compounding are no longer necessary.
Focus not only on automotive
In addition to applications in the automotive sector, the main field of application for the direct processing of chopped glass is in the energy sector, as the combination of high mechanical properties and economical manufacturing processes meets current requirements.
In the future, there are plans to replace existing LGF material systems with the direct processing of chopped glass in order to generate ecological and economic benefits.
The new CFP processing technology solves the existing dilemma of achieving either long fibers or a homogeneous mixture.
To summarize, the new CFP process for chopped glass fiber direct processing in the injection molding machine allows significant material and energy savings and thus offers the potential to replace the use of expensive continuous fiber processing in many cases.
Contact
stefan.schierl@kraussmaffei.com
