Our process
Our fiber reinforced thermoplastic tubes are made from unidirectional thermoplastic tape (UD-tape) with endless fibers. The tubes are available with selectable inner diameter, wall thickness and outer diameter. Ranging from a minimum 10 mm inner diameter up to 1.200 mm, from thin walled to thick walled tubes can be manufactured.
The maximum tube length is 3.500 mm.
Other dimensions can be produced on special request after consultation.
We produce flexibly and efficiently with short delivery times!
Automated design and production
We offer you all the support in designing the perfectly suited tube for your application. From selection of tape material defining the type of thermoplastic and fiber to the winding strategy to achieve the required properties. Localized reinforcement is also an option with our technology.
Once the design is completed and approved and your order is placed, our equipment is ready to start production immediately. Every run is monitored and vital parameters measured against tolerance, with all the generated data being securely stored.
After undergoing our strict quality control process, your order is then completed and shipped.
The process
The technology to produce our CFR TP (Continuous Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic) tubes is generally known as Additive Manufacturing: The specially developed equipment can add unidirectional tape to create tubes that are characterized by low weight, high strength and high stiffness. This specific process is called Laser Assisted Tape Winding (LATW) and is illustrated in this video
This technology developed by AFPT GmbH allows the creation of high-strength, high stiffness product(s) with low structural weight and excellent resistance to corrosion and chemicals. Designing the product in such a way that only material is added where needed, in the direction where needed to deliver the required properties. Our design system will support you in achieving the perfectly tailored tube for your application. After the design is completed, production can start straight away.
The material
The range of properties and the quality of our products have their origin in the raw materials we use. Typically we use Unidirectional Tape with endless fibers embedded within a thermoplastic material matrix. The preferred material for your application is available from pre-selected suppliers.
Examples of unidirectional tape are:
Carbon fiber in Polypropylene matrix (CF-PP)
Carbon fiber in Polyamid matrix (CF-PA6/PA66/PA12)
Carbon fiber in Polyetheretherketone (CF-PEEK)
And many, many more available on request.
LIGHTWEIGHT
Our tubes, made from thermoplastic tape with fiber reinforcement, are lightweight. The mass density is approximately 4 times lower when compared with steel and about a third less when compared to aluminium. Yet, the advantage in weight goes further than the difference in mass density. Reinforced thermoplastic material has a significantly higher performance in strength and stiffness. Designs incorporating this material permit a reduction in material consumption and thus a further weight reduction.
The weight advantage is essential for reduction in energy consumption during the whole life cycle of the product. You can imagine that the saving in energy (and emissions) for all means of transportation globally, will have a huge impact on the environment and climate.
STRENGTH
Looking for high-strength material? Our tubes are made from fiber reinforced thermoplastics, offering tensile strength levels far beyond those associated with metal products - for instance carbon fiber is one on the best engineering materials available today and its use is certainly not limited to the aerospace and aircraft industries. If you want to expand your limits and use the most modern high-strength materials available, fiber reinforced thermoplastic is the material of today and the future!
One of the advantages of our process is the freedom offered in the design of the tubes to add strength (and stiffness) to the locations and in the directions required. This process of ‘additive manufacturing’ allows you to use material where required: design tailored to your needs!
STIFFNESS
If not strength then stiffness is likely to be an important design parameter for you. Fiber reinforced material is available with high E-modulus levels that can be specified for your application. You will be able to achieve huge advantages compared with the use of traditional materials like metal, providing the opportunity to design products for optimal stiffness and strength by adding material in the required direction. You will be surprised by the options and opportunities available. The tailored tube design can enhance the overall stiffness and reduce deflection of your product, leading to optimal product performance.
DURABLE & SUSTAINABLE
The tubes are produced with a special process that generates no harmful emissions and does not require resources other than electrical energy (which comes from renewable sources where we are based). Furthermore, the tubes can easily be re-used and recycled. As more and more markets, like automotive, increase the application of fiber reinforced material, the collection and recycling of the material is becoming the norm.
The tubes produced from fiber reinforced thermoplastic material have a high durability with specific wear and fatigue resistance. The resistance to wear makes it also very suitable for application in machines and equipment, for instance as bearings or seals in your products.
CFR thermoplastic materials enable us to reduce, reuse and recycle: Ready to create the future!
AND MORE ADVANTAGES
Our tubes can be exposed to harsh environments without applying any surface treatment. The thermoplastic matrix determines the specific protection against chemical attack and corrosion. In any case are your current products protected against corrosion without any protection layer whatsoever?
Another impressive feature of our fiber reinforced thermoplastic tube is the shock and impact absorption capacity for high impact or crash conditions. That means in combination with the weight reduction of your product, the safety performance also improves simultaneously.
All of these enhanced properties and advantages become fully apparent when reviewing the Total Cost of Ownership of your product and the Return On Investment benefits. The mechanical and durable properties including the resistance to wear, fatigue and corrosion are highly compelling and we’re sure you will not need much convincing of the advantages of fiber reinforced thermoplastic tubes!