Introduction
CFRTP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic) is a composite material that combines carbon fiber and thermoplastic resin. This material is used in a variety of industries for its light weight, high strength, and excellent formability. CFRTP has a significant advantage over conventional CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) in that it can be reheated and reshaped after molding. This characteristic makes the manufacturing process more efficient and allows for repeated use, which is why CFRTP is being used in a variety of fields.
In this issue, we will explain what kind of products CFRTP is used for and its specific applications.
Automotive Industry
CFRTP is a very important material in the automotive industry. Its lightweight and high-strength properties are used in automotive parts that require improved fuel efficiency and performance. In particular, CFRTP contributes to weight reduction in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles (HVs).
– Interior components: CFRTP is also used in vehicle interior components. For example, CFRTP is often chosen for interior parts such as dashboards, door panels, and consoles because of the need for weight reduction and strength.
– Exterior parts: CFRTP is also used for exterior parts such as hoods, bumpers, and fenders. This reduces the overall weight of the vehicle, resulting in improved fuel efficiency and driving performance.
– Structural parts: CFRTP is also used in structural parts that require strength, such as vehicle frames and chassis parts. This improves the durability and crash safety of the entire vehicle.
Aircraft Industry
The lightweight and high strength of CFRTP are of particular importance in the aircraft industry. CFRTP used in aircraft components contributes to improved fuel efficiency and flight performance.
– Airframe components: CFRTP is also used in aircraft internal and structural parts. CFRTP is very effective because a balance between weight reduction and strength is required.
– Flaps and slats: CFRTP is also used in aircraft flaps and slats, which require particular durability. This improves aircraft fuel efficiency and reduces operating costs.
sporting goods
CFRTP is also widely used in sporting goods because of its superior performance. Its light weight and high strength can improve the performance of sports equipment.
– Bicycle frames: CFRTP is used in bicycle frames because of its light weight and high strength. This improves running performance and is often used in the frames of competitive bicycles and luxury cars.
– Golf clubs: CFRTP is also used in the shafts of golf clubs to reduce weight and increase strength. This improves the distance and accuracy of the hit ball.
– Tennis Rackets: CFRTP is also used in tennis rackets to reduce weight and provide durability. This contributes to improved player performance.
electronics
CFRTP is also used in components for electronic devices due to its high insulation properties and moldability. CFRTP has become an especially important material for smartphones and notebook computers, which are becoming increasingly lightweight.
– Smartphone frames: The use of CFRTP in smartphone frames ensures lighter weight and strength, as well as greater design freedom. It is an ideal material for smartphones, which require impact-resistant materials.
– Notebook computer chassis: CFRTP is also used in notebook computers and tablet chassis to reduce weight. This improves portability and makes products more user-friendly.
medical devices
CFRTP is also used in medical devices, where its light weight, durability, and precision molding are required for components.
– Artificial limbs and prostheses: CFRTP is increasingly being used in the manufacture of artificial limbs and prostheses. It is lightweight yet strong and can be used for long periods of time. In addition, its ability to be molded precisely allows for individualized designs.
– Surgical tools: CFRTP is also used in surgical instruments. Its high strength and durability, combined with its light weight and ease of use, have led to its increasing use in the medical field.
carbon orthosis：made by UCHIDA Co.,Ltd.
Industrial Machinery
CFRTP is also used in industrial machinery and robot parts, making it ideal for parts that require light weight and high strength.
– Robot arm: The use of CFRTP in robot arm parts reduces weight and improves the accuracy and speed of the robot’s movement. CFRTP is being used especially for robots used in factory production lines.
– Machine parts: CFRTP also contributes to weight reduction and strength improvement in industrial machine parts. This improves energy efficiency and product durability.
The Future of CFRTP
CFRTP is expected to find its way into more and more fields in the future due to its superior performance and manufacturing efficiency. The ability to reheat and change shape and the flexibility of the molding process are expected to further increase demand in the manufacturing and consumer goods sectors. In addition, the development of recyclable CFRTP is progressing due to environmental considerations, and it is expected to contribute to the creation of sustainable products.
Summary
CFRTP is used in various fields such as automobiles, aircraft, sporting goods, electronics, medical equipment, and industrial machinery due to its lightweight and high-strength properties. With its reheatable properties, this material plays an important role in providing high performance products while increasing manufacturing efficiency. It is expected that CFRTP will be used in more products and deployed in a wider range of applications in the future.
Related useful contents
You can explore related content by clicking on a topic of interest.
ABOUT UCHIDA - 55 years since our founding
We leverage a wealth of technical expertise as a CFRP molding and processing manufacturer using FRP, GFRP, and CFRP materials. We offer a one-stop solution, encompassing design, analysis, manufacturing, secondary processing, assembly, painting, quality assurance, and testing.
UCHIDA's equipment
We have cutting-edge equipment to ensure that we can address even the most advanced challenges of our customers.
DMG森精機 - VS1000/40/2050
X軸：2,050mm（ストローク） ／ Y軸：1,000mm ／ Z軸：600mm ／ テーブル作業面：2,250×1,000mm
ASHIDA MFG Co., Ltd.
Autoclave Oven 2
Size : Ø1,150x1,000mm / Operating temperature : at normal temperature - 400℃ / Design pressure : 2.0Mpa (maximum working pressure) / Vacuum system : back suction system / Vacuum units : 5
ASHIDA MFG Co., Ltd.
Autoclave Oven 3
Size : Ø3,000x6,000mm / Operating temperature : at normal temperature - 200℃ / Distribution accuracy : ±2.5℃less / Heating rate : 4.0℃/min. (empty furnace) / Cooling rate : 4.0℃/min. (empty furnace) / Design pressure : 0.99Mpa (maximum working pressure) / Working pressure : 0.7Mpa less (if no specification from the manufacuturer 0.3Mpa around) / Pressure accuracy : ±0.02Mpa（for pressure setting of ０ - 0.99Mpa/cm²） / Boost pressure accuracy : 0 - 0.03Mpa/min / Pressure source : compressed air (regular use) / Vacuum system : back suction system / Vacuum units : 10
Oven
Size : W1,000xH1,000xD1,000mm / Temperature range : Environmental Temperature +20 - 300℃ / Temperature elevation capability : Environmental Temperature (20 - 40℃) - 300℃ / 45min less / Vacuum system : back suction system / Vacuum units : 10
ESPEC CORP.
Temperature & Humidity Chamber
INSTRON
Static Universal Testing Machine 5985
Oven
Size : W7,000xH3,000xD2,000mm / Temperature range : Environmental Temperature +20 - 300℃ (Max) / Temperature elevation capability : Environmental Temperature (20 - 40℃) - 300℃ / 60min less / Vacuum system : back suction system / Vacuum units : 10
NEO
X axis : 4,000mm (stroke) / Y axis : 2,000mm / Z axis : 1,200mm / C axis : 0° - ±270° / B axis : 0° - ±110° / Table working place : 4,000x2,000mm
【開発】
3Dプリンター | Markforged
Painting booth
Various painting, and clear finish is done in dedicated painting booth
Adhesion, Finishing, Coating Room
Finishing process, such as trimming, drilling, and bonding, surface treatment of the molded product type and is done in a private booth
Toshiba Matrixeye EX (Ultrasonic flaw detector)
Matrix-Arrey : 32
AMETEK CREAFORM Metra
SCAN750 Elite (3D scan)
Olympus Corp.
Inverted Microscopes
Oven
Size : W450xH450xD450mm / Temperature range : Environmental Temperature +20 - 650℃ / Temperature elevation capability : Environmental Temperature+50 - 650℃/120min less
Cutting Plotter Table working place : W1,500xL3,500mm
SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD
Cutting Plotter
KUKA
Robot
Krauss Maffei
Epoxy resin injection machine Resin 60L ／ Hardener 25L
Krauss Maffei
630t Press machine Height total 5,200mm ／ Length max 1,500mm ／ Width max 1,200mm ／ Whole cycle time per component part 240sec
DMG森精機 - NV5000B/40
X軸：1,020mm（ストローク） ／ Y軸：510mm ／ Z軸：510mm ／ テーブル作業面：1,320×600mm
Big sized clean room
JIS B 9920 cleanliness class maximum concentration (Pcs/m³） / Class 5 : 100,000m³ / Capacity : m² (16,000x16,000mm) 760m² (16,000x16,000x3,000mm) / Temperature and humidity condition : Temperature : 23℃±3℃, Humidity 65% less / Ambient conditions : Temperature 35℃ during summer, Humidity 70% less / Ambient conditions : Temperature 35℃ during summer, Humidity 70% less / Temperature -5℃ during winter, Humidity 40% less
CAD / CAM
CATIA V5 : 2 / THINK DESIGN : 1 / MASTER CAM : 4 / Other 3D/CAD : 3 / Other 2D/CAD : 5
Markforged - 3D Printer
Video Library
In the following video, we provide a detailed overview of our manufacturing process. Please feel free to watch and learn more.
Contact us
