Thermoplastic resins are materials that soften when heated and solidify when cooled. Because they soften again upon reheating, they allow for re-molding and recycling. CFRTP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastics) uses thermoplastic resin as its matrix, enabling both moldability and sustainability in a single composite material.

Below is an overview of suitable thermoplastic resins for CFRTP, molding conditions, and the support range of Kawamura Kikai Co., Ltd.

【Representative Thermoplastic Resins】
・PP (Polypropylene): Specific gravity approx. 0.9, lightweight. Excellent balance of cost and performance.
・PA6, PA66 (Polyamide): High wear resistance and strong mechanical properties.
・PC (Polycarbonate): Excellent transparency and surface appearance quality.
・PEEK, LM-PAEK: High heat-resistant resins. Suitable for environments exceeding 200°C.
・m-PPE: Suitable for applications requiring dimensional stability and insulation properties.
・PLA, PA11: Plant-derived bio-resins. Suitable for environmentally conscious products.

【Selection Examples by Application】
・For high-temperature components: Super engineering plastics such as PEEK and PA9T
・For appearance-focused components: PC or high-appearance-grade thermoplastics
・For weight reduction priority: PP
・For environmentally friendly products: Plant-derived resins such as PLA and PA11

【Molding Conditions and Equipment】
Because thermoplastic resins differ in melting point and glass transition temperature, heating and cooling conditions must be optimized for each material.

Kawamura Kikai Co., Ltd. operates presses with a maximum capacity of 200 tons and supports molding temperatures up to approximately 400°C. The maximum mold size is approximately 1200 × 1500mm, and product sizes up to around 500 × 500mm are supported. Prepreg materials with thicknesses of 2–3mm can be handled, and A4-sized molds are used for prototyping. Secondary processing is not performed in-house, but machining and assembly are supported through partner companies.

【Prototyping and Evaluation Flow】
In the initial stage, flat plate prototypes are produced to establish molding conditions and evaluate formability and appearance. Next, simple geometries are tested to confirm the feasibility of features such as draft angles and ribs. Finally, molding trials are conducted using actual product shapes. This staged approach enables efficient selection of appropriate resins and processing conditions according to application requirements.

【Summary】
Thermoplastic resins are a key material in CFRTP molding. By selecting the appropriate resin based on application and performance requirements and optimizing molding conditions, both lightweight performance and environmental compatibility can be achieved.

Kawamura Kikai Co., Ltd. supports a wide range of resins and intermediate materials, providing development assistance from prototyping and evaluation to coordinated secondary processing with partner companies.

【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/
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