Long-fiber thermoplast direct techniques with in-line compounding of the thermoplastic matrix 

Since the early 80's, thermoplastic fibercomposite materials have been used as semi-structural components in cars. This combination of materials allows wide latitude for integrating several components into one functional unit. 

The combination of excellent mechanical properties, low specific weight and comparably low large series manufacturing expenditures provides continued growth to this combination of materials. 

Coupling various processes into one direct process drives down energy expenditures since it eliminates the intermediate process of material solidification and remelting. In turn, this enhances product quality since thermal oxidative polymer decomposition is kept to a minimum. 

There are other reasons for using direct processes such as the low raw material expenditures in relation to commercially available prefabricated compounds and directly adapting the product characteristics to the final product's set of requirements. This replaces the intermediate production process and lowers logistic expenditures, thus driving down overall component costs. 

Front-end structure with local component reinforcement. 
(© Fraunhofer ICT)

This development of Fraunhofer ICT was made in a project funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. 

Development partners for tailored LFT: The BMW Group, Dieffenbacher, DOW Automotive, Leistritz, Menzolit-Fibron, Polymer- Chemie, Werkzeug and Formenbau Schmidt WFS