Thermoplastic strips offer great potential for injection molded parts.
AZL and IKV, together with more than 20 companies, are developing guidelines for the application of thermoplastic strips in injection molding (picture from Covestro/Engel)
Aachen University's Aachen Integrated Lightweight Production Center ('AZL') and the Plastics Processing Institute ('IKV') are working with a number of companies to increase the use of thermoplastic strips in injection molded parts. In the production of joint development of some programs.
Medium-sized injection molding manufacturers, strip producers, equipment and mold manufacturers, as well as OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, are actively involved in this development and will benefit from the development.
On October 18, 2018, during the Fakuma 2018 exhibition, AZL and IKV will hold the launching ceremony of the project and will invite interested companies to participate in this joint research.
As a local reinforcement, thermoplastic strips improve the performance of injection molded parts, including: increased stiffness and strength, improved surface hardness and improved optical performance, based on efficient use of materials, and reduced costs, therefore, for medium and small injection molding Traditional injection molded parts produced by molding manufacturers bring special product advantages.
However, so far, most injection molders have only occasionally used thermoplastic strips and their potential.
To this end, experts at RWTH Aachen are making a systematic overview of injection molding applications that are particularly suitable for thermoplastic strips, with a focus on traditional injection molded parts, and are not limited to typical lightweight applications.
Another important outcome of the project will be the comprehensive literature on the latest developments in methods and techniques related to component development and production.
Through the active participation of the entire supply chain, all participating companies will benefit from knowledge and communication:
The development and production processes will be analyzed and developed to help injection molders use thermoplastic strips in their production while assessing the potential of this technology;
Strip producers and equipment and mold manufacturers will review the requirements and challenges of using thermoplastic strips from a processor's perspective;
OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers will also benefit from direct communication with suppliers, presenting their needs and requirements, and jointly evaluating applications.
After categorizing the application process and identifying the application, this six-month study will provide concrete component examples for the hybrid thermoplastic parts business, providing action recommendations to overcome technical and organizational barriers, and Provide practical guidance including project start-up, design, production and planning guidance.