AIMPLAS, Spain launches new company to develop LFT composites

AIMPLAS, the Plastics Technology Centre (Spain), and REDIT Ventures, a specialized investment vehicle sponsored by the eleven REDIT Technology Institutes have launched LOFITH COMPOSITES, a new technology company focused on developing long-fibre reinforced thermoplastics (LFTs) composites

These composite materials are made of a thermoplastic polymer matrix reinforced with long and continuous fibre to develop LFTP and UD-tapes. This makes it possible to obtain strong, lightweight parts that are more versatile than those made of traditional thermoset materials. These materials can also be functionalized by giving them properties such as conductivity, shielding and fire resistance, which makes them ideal for demanding industries such as the automotive and aeronautical industries.

Components manufactured with these materials can have greater mechanical strength without losing ductility and boast the added advantage of adapting to different manufacturing processes, such as injection, compression moulding and automatic fibre placement. In addition, the thermoplastic polymers used are easily recyclable and can also be repaired because they can be melted in several processing cycles to provide more economical alternatives.

These properties have increased the demand for LFT composites, which have become a viable alternative to thermoset composites in different sectors such as the aerospace, rail and automotive industries. In fact, lightweight LFT composites are expected to replace conventional materials, thus enabling to comply with stringent industry standards.