- Platform combines the functionalities of different elements
- Employment of patented Fractional Lobe screw geometry
- “Under the bonnet” and other automotive applications
The company Steer successfully developed a process to produce Continuous Medium Glass Fiber Thermoplastics (CMGFT) on its co-rotating twin screw extruder-based Omega platform that deploys its patented Fractional Lobe screw geometry. The platform, now available on the market, combines the functionalities of different elements, including RFV (for intake), FKB (for melting of polypropylene) and OSE wave element (for wetting of glass fiber).
Co-rotating twin-screw extruder with high-flight depth
The company conducted several tests to achieve the wanted results in terms of fiber length and orientation. The compounding of the CMGFT composite was achieved with a Steer Omega co-rotating twin-screw extruder featuring a high-flight depth and high free volume. The scientific choices of screw elements along with production process, and the control of process parameters, distinctly influenced the final fiber orientation and length.
Automotive applications
The CMGFT is best for applications where PP short glass & PA short glass reinforced materials are used. For example CMGFT PP with 30% glass is better than PP 40% short glass filled grade in terms of cost and lightness. (glass roving’s are cheaper than chopped glass). Compared to GFPA, CMGFT is a cost effective alternative that can be used for most of the “under the bonnet” parts like radiator end caps, fan and shroud, and air in-take manifolds.
