COMPOUNDS | LFTs
Right: Luvocom LFT compounds provide predictable mechanical performance even at low temperatures in ski binding applications
stressed braking and shifting components. The carbon composite parts are joined with special corrosion-resistant screws. “In carbon-fibre reinforced thermoplastics, at the typical levels above 15% carbon fibre metal screws will corrode. We’ve demonstrated that both our short and long-carbon fibre materials can be used with these specialised plastic screws,” says Collet. Collet sees growing demand for colour in LFT compounds. “We have developed custom colours for some applications. The colour masterbatch must be optimised to avoid degrading mechanical proper- ties,” he says. As an example, Luvocom LFT PA66- GF30 compounds were recently used in aviation fuel nozzles with different colours employed as identifiers for different types of fuels. The compounds also required chemical resistance and impact resistance, especially at low temperatures. The company offers three different versions, including one for parts with electrical discharge properties. Besides colour, improved surface appearance is
Below: Coloured LFT compounds are gaining in
popularity and are used to identify fuel type in this aviation fuel nozzle
also a growing requirement. The company’s Luvocom LFT22 compounds, which use a blend of PA66 and PA61/X with long glass or long-carbon fibres, are said to offer temperature resistance, chemical resistance and mechanical strength, along with improved surface appearance for a range of applications. Depending on the applica- tion requirements, other additives, such as laser- marking pigments or lubricants, can also be added to compounds.
Multiple benefits One of the longer standing players in LFTs is Celanese. Jeff Helms, Sales Director, Engineered Materials at the company, says the combination of mechanical and thermal properties offered by its LFT materials, including both PP and PA types, is beneficial in multiple sectors, including automotive, aerospace and industrial.
IMAGE: LEHVOSS GROUP
The Celanese Engineered Materials team shared first place in the Vehicle Interior category award at the November 2023 Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Automotive Innovation Awards Competition in the US for its role as material supplier for the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Mega Power Frunk. In this under-hood storage area component a 40% long-glass-fibre (LGF) grade of injection-mouldable Celstran PP replaced sheet moulding compound (SMC). The company says that the LFT part features an optimised rib structure and thickness to meet durability and crash safety requirements while reducing weight by 16 pounds (7.25kg) per vehicle compared to the compression-moulded SMC alternative. It also eliminates the need for painting to achieve the desired class-A surface finish and that, together with a cycle time reduction, contrib- utes to annual savings of approximately $15m, the company reports. “By converting from compression-moulded painted SMC to injection moulded [moulded-in- colour] LFT-PP to produce this large Class A composite frunk — currently the industry’s largest — the mass was reduced 48%, productivity was increased through a 37% cycle time reduction, the cost and environmental burden of paint were eliminated, seal interfaces were improved, second- ary routering of holes is no longer needed, and the frunk is fully recyclable at end of life,” says Helms. “With these mass and cycle time-reducing benefits and environmental burdens like paint, plus reducing cost, LFRT materials can replace SMC in multiple products and parts in the automotive industry,” he adds.
Maximising the benefits of LFT in a project such
as the Ford frunk requires teamwork. “During the design and development phases, we work closely with Tiers and OEMs to select the right materials, determine gate locations, match OEM colour masters, design tooling, conduct Moldflow and
16 COMPOUNDING WORLD | March 2024
www.compoundingworld.com
IMAGE: LEHVOSS GROUP
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