Long Fiber Thermoplastics are next generation engineering plastic compounds which result in tough, strong, yet lightweight molded parts for the automotive, appliance and other industries. Glass fibers that run continuously through the length of the pellets, help these compounds exhibit much better mechanical properties than short fiber reinforced thermoplastics resulting in much lower part weights. The magnificent combination of strength, stiffness and impact resistance makes them an ideal choice for various applications.
The substitution of metals by Long Fiber Thermoplastics is mainly driven by the need to reduce component or system cost and weight. Cost reduction is typically obtained through part consolidation and the elimination of secondary operations such as machining, welding or painting.
Opportunities exist to replace die-cast metals which require extensive machining or have corrosion and/or weight problems. Similarly, steel stamping having complex assemblies, deep draws or corrosion problems are also potential candidates for replacement with Long Fiber Thermoplastics.
The replacement of metal with Long Fiber Thermoplastics can also provide the following benefits compared to metals: Corrosion resistance, Chemical resistance, Thermal insulation, Sound dampening, Improved surface finish, Design freedom (Complex 3D shapes). The technical presentation elaborates on the various functional advantages that Long Fiber Thermoplastics offer over metals and short fiber compounds and highlights typical applications in the automotive/fluid engineering and appliance industries.
