Chopped Fiber Processing Technology in Injection Molding

This technical report discusses the development of a new technology for the direct processing of chopped glass fibers in injection molding, aimed at reducing costs and the CO2 footprint in the automotive sector. The report outlines the significance of long fiber-reinforced thermoplastics, particularly polypropylene with chopped glass fibers, which can replace more expensive polyamide materials. It details the innovative screw geometry introduced by KraussMaffei Technologies GmbH and Wirthwein SE, which allows for the efficient mixing of chopped glass fibers and polymer. The new processing method eliminates the need for compounding, thereby enhancing economic and environmental sustainability. The report also examines the mechanical properties of the resulting components, emphasizing the importance of fiber length, distribution, and matrix adhesion in achieving optimal performance. Comparisons with traditional methods highlight the advantages of this new approach, particularly in terms of fiber dispersion and overall component strength.