【Background of Material Selection: Composites, Metals, and Engineering Plastics】
In the development of high-performance components, selecting materials that meet requirements such as weight reduction, high strength, heat resistance, and processability is essential. In recent years, driven by EV adoption and carbon neutrality initiatives, there has been a growing shift from metals to resin-based composite materials.

Among these materials, CFRTP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic) has gained attention for offering significant advantages compared to magnesium alloys and engineering plastics (super engineering plastics).

【Comparison: CFRTP vs. Magnesium Alloy】
Magnesium alloy is one of the lightest structural metals, with a density of approximately 1.8—lighter than aluminum. It provides good rigidity and heat resistance and is commonly used in automotive and electronic housings.

In comparison, CFRTP offers the following advantages:
・Lower density (approximately 1.2–1.6), enabling further weight reduction
・High specific strength, suitable for structural applications
・Excellent corrosion resistance, eliminating the need for surface treatment
・Recyclability due to thermoplastic matrix properties
Kawamura Kikai Co., Ltd. supports CFRTP molding using various base resins such as PP, PA6, and PEEK.

【Comparison: CFRTP vs. Engineering Plastics】
Engineering plastics are known for their mechanical strength, heat resistance, and chemical resistance, and are widely used in automotive and electrical components. Representative examples include:
・Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS)
・Polyamide 6 (PA6)
・Polycarbonate (PC)
・Polyoxymethylene (POM)

However, standalone engineering plastics may have limitations in stiffness and strength, leading to increasing demand for reinforcement.

CFRTP, reinforced with carbon fibers, provides:
・Higher rigidity and impact resistance than standard engineering plastics
・Property optimization through fiber orientation design
・Compatibility with bio-based resins such as PLA and PA11

【Material Selection by Application】
Material selection should align with functional requirements and design constraints:
・Magnesium alloy: Housings requiring high-temperature resistance, metallic appearance, and heat dissipation
・Engineering plastics: General automotive interior parts and electrical covers
・CFRTP: Structural components requiring lightweight and high rigidity, or products with complex geometries

Kawamura Kikai Co., Ltd. provides integrated support—from design assistance leveraging material characteristics to molding, post-processing, and assembly.

【Advantages of Product Development with CFRTP】
Adopting CFRTP enables:
・Improved fuel efficiency and extended EV driving range through weight reduction
・Greater design flexibility and functional integration
・Environmental benefits through scrap recycling and remolding
・Development of decarbonized products via combinations with PLA and PA11

【Summary】
Magnesium alloys and engineering plastics each offer distinct advantages. However, CFRTP can complement or surpass them in terms of lightweight performance, re-formability, and recyclability. It is particularly suitable for environmentally conscious product development.

Kawamura Kikai Co., Ltd. has extensive experience in product design and manufacturing utilizing CFRTP’s unique characteristics and offers flexible support from prototyping to mass production.
For material selection and product development inquiries, please feel free to get in touch.

【Contact Information】
Kawamura Kikai Co., Ltd.
Head Office: 2-4 Shimizu-cho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 【Composite Division】
Hanazono Factory: 10 Kitane, Fukaya-shi, Saitama 【Metal Press Division】
Website: https://www.kawamura-kikai.co.jp
Inquiry / Quotation: https://www.kawamura-kikai.co.jp/contact/
Please mention that you saw us on “Emidas” when making your inquiry.