Direct Long Fiber Thermoplastic (LFT) Extrusion-Compression

Extrusion-compression molding is used to produce reinforced polypropylene parts for automotive applications such as front-ends, bumper beams and underbody shields.

Extrusion-compression molding uses an extruder to convert glass strands and PP pellets into a hot bulk molding compound. The molten charge is quickly transferred to a press where it is molded while still hot. The part is removed after sufficient cooling.

This process is generally referred to as Long Fibre Thermoplastic (LFT) processing. In direct LFT processing, the glass strands are introduced into the extruder in the form of a roving or chopped strands. It is also possible to use pellets incorporating long strands in combination with PP pellets.