What is CFRTP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic)? Features and Application Fields

Contents

Introduction
Basic Concept of CFRTP
CFRTP Features
CFRTP Application Fields
Summary

Introduction

CFRTP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic) is a composite material made by reinforcing carbon fiber with thermoplastic resin, which is lightweight, high-strength, and has excellent processability and recyclability. In this column, the features of CFRTP and its application fields will be explained in detail.

Basic Concept of CFRTP

CFRTP is a composite material consisting of carbon fiber bonded with thermoplastic resin. Thermoplastic resin can be molded or processed by heating and solidifies after cooling. This property makes CFRTP easier to mold, reprocess, and recycle than conventional thermoset resins (CFRP).

– Carbon Fiber: High strength and rigidity, yet lightweight, heat resistant, and corrosion resistant.

– Thermoplastic resin: Flexible when temperature is raised and solidifies upon cooling after molding, allowing for repeated processing.

CFRTP Features

– Lightweight: Because CFRTP contains carbon fiber, it is very lightweight compared to metals and other materials with the same strength. This lightness is especially important in the automotive and aircraft industries.

– High Strength: The properties of carbon fiber make CFRTP very strong. It has excellent tensile and compressive strength and maintains its strength even in harsh environments.

– Processability: The use of thermoplastic resin makes CFRTP easy to mold and process, and it can be used for parts with complex shapes. It is also highly recyclable and environmentally friendly.

– Heat resistance: CFRTP is resistant to high temperatures, making it suitable for applications exposed to thermal environments.

– Corrosion resistance: CFRTP is much more resistant to corrosion than metals.

CFRTP Application Fields

Automotive Industry

CFRTP plays a very important role in the demand for lighter weight automobiles. The use of CFRTP in structural and exterior parts of automobiles reduces vehicle weight, improves fuel efficiency, and enhances driving performance. In particular, it is increasingly used in electric vehicles (EVs) and high-performance cars.

Aircraft Industry

CFRTP is also utilized in aircraft components. CFRTP is used for aircraft fuselages and internal structural parts because of its light weight and high strength. CFRTP contributes to improved aircraft performance and fuel efficiency.

Sporting Goods

CFRTP is also used in sporting goods such as bicycle frames, golf clubs, and tennis rackets. Its lightweight and high-strength properties improve the performance of competitors and ensure durability.

Electronics

CFRTP is also sometimes used in electronic equipment housings. It is used in cases for smartphones, tablets, and notebook computers, which require shock absorption and durability while being lightweight.

Industrial Equipment

CFRTP is sometimes used for parts and structures of industrial equipment. Its light weight and high strength absorb vibration and shock, extending the life of equipment.

Summary

CFRTP is a composite material with excellent lightweight, strength, processability, and recyclability, and its use is expanding, especially in the fields of automobiles, aircraft, sporting goods, and electronics. The evolution of CFRTP will lead to the development of higher performance and more sustainable products.

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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

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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

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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