CTC Plastics has pioneered an innovative process for crafting high-quality molded plastic parts using long glass fibers. Our unique approach results in products that are stiffer yet not more brittle. In today’s blog, we delve into the advantages of incorporating long glass fibers in thermoplastics for the custom molding process. Here’s how:
Enhanced Strength and Stiffness
Long glass fibers significantly increase the strength and stiffness of the plastic, making it more robust and durable, which is particularly useful for parts that need to withstand high loads or stress.
Improved Impact Resistance
Adding long glass fibers enhances the material’s impact resistance. In other words, fibers make the plastic less likely to crack or break upon impact, which is crucial for many applications.
Dimensional Stability
Long glass fibers help maintain the shape and dimensions of the plastic parts over time, even under varying temperatures and loads. Dimensional stability ensures that the parts fit and function correctly throughout their lifespan.
Lightweight
Despite the added strength and stiffness, long glass fiber-reinforced thermoplastics are still relatively lightweight compared to metals. Fiber-reinforced thermoplastics lead to weight savings in applications such as automotive or aerospace, improving fuel efficiency and reducing costs.
Cost-Effective
By harnessing the power of long glass fibers, you can achieve superior mechanical properties without a significant increase in material costs. This cost-effective solution enhances plastic performance and provides a solid return on investment, ensuring your project’s success.
Versatility in Design
Our process empowers you to create intricate and detailed parts, from deep ribs to bosses, standoffs, and draws. This design flexibility is a game-changer for a wide range of industrial and consumer applications, sparking new possibilities and innovations.
Reduced Warpage and Shrinkage
The reinforcement provided by long glass fibers reduces warpage and shrinkage during molding, resulting in more accurate and consistent parts.
Better Creep Resistance
Long glass fibers improve the creep resistance of plastic, meaning the material is less likely to deform under long-term stress. This is important for parts subjected to continuous loads.
Overall, long glass fibers enhance the performance and reliability of thermoplastic parts, making them suitable for demanding applications where strength, durability, and precision are critical. Thanks to our advanced machinery, our process doesn’t cost more. Our parts are stronger and more detailed than other composite materials, especially in complex shapes.