Low-pressure molding builds fiber-reinforced structures.(Forming/Processing)

A low-pressure, fully automated extrusion/compression process for molding large, long-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic structural parts has been licensed by Envirokare Tech Inc., Orlando, Fla., from Thermoplastic Composite Designs Inc., Mims, Fla. Called Thermoplastic Flowforming (TPF), the process enables fabrication of large structural parts up to 2.8 [m.sup.2] (30 [ft.sup.2]). The structures have enhanced mechanical properties because of the randomization and preservation of fiber length. In the TPF process, bulk materials are compounded, reinforcing fibers up to 76 mm (3 in.) ...