D-LFT System combines kneading & injection molding

MITSUBISHI Heavy Industries Plastic Technology Co. Ltd, a group company of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd (MHI), is offering the D-LFT System combination kneading and injection molding machine.

 

The equipment can form high-strength long-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic (LFT) products from glass fibers and polypropylene (PP) resin in a single process. This addresses the present need for plastic parts with outstanding strength and rigidity to replace conventional metal components in response to growing interest in lighter vehicle chassis. 

 

Targeted at new applications such as those superseding conventional metal parts in achieving lighter vehicles, the D-LFT System combines hardware and software innovations that allow resin and glass fibers to be introduced into the system in their material state, resulting in LFT-molded products of superlative strength and rigidity. It features a dedicated screw, and automatic resin and glass fiber feed mechanisms. Software innovations include technology for controlling the glass fiber feed based on the amount of melted resin. A new control system disperses the glass fibers into the melted resin with uniformity.  

 

MHI said the D-LFT System can reduce material costs by roughly 25% unlike injection molding that requires buying of compound material. It also ensures a more compact production line with the integrated kneading and injection molding processes. 

 

To enhance user support, a new service will provide users with material mixing recipes for use with glass fibers manufactured by Nippon Electric Glass Co. Ltd, which cooperated in developing the D-LFT System.