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A novel chopped fiber processing (CFP) technology by KraussMaffei (Parsdorf, Germany) optimizes fiber-reinforced thermoplastics processing, enabling the direct, fiber-friendly compounding of polypropylene (PP) and chopped glass fibers in the injection molding process.

Compared to traditional processes using pre-compounded long glass fiber granulate, the CFP technology enables separate dosing of PP and glass fibers. Both components can be supplied directly via the machine’s conveyor system, homogenized in the cylinder and processed particularly gently with the help of a patented CFP screw. This offers the advantage that no fiber clusters are formed during processing, thus ensuring optimum component properties at lower material costs.

CFP technology enables plastic processors to individually dose and mix polymers and fibers. In this way, KraussMaffei customers can develop their own formulations for components and build up material expertise. At the same time, savings in material use lead to up to 30% cost reductions and a noticeable reduction in the product carbon footprint (PCF) through inline compounding, KraussMaffei reports.

Other CRP technology highlights include compatibility with KraussMaffei machine series and easy retrofitting, even for existing, older systems using the KraussMaffei Retrofit Program. Return on investment (ROI) is less than one year.

Whether in the automotive and aerospace industries or in technical consumer goods, KraussMaffei’s CFP technology offers a high degree of flexibility in the production of structural and load-bearing components as well as reinforcement elements.