CFRTP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastics) is gaining attention as a material that combines lightweight performance, moldability, and environmental compatibility. However, when introducing a new material into product development, establishing a step-by-step evaluation flow from the early stages is essential.

Kawamura Kikai Co., Ltd. has built an integrated evaluation system—from flat plate prototyping to actual-shape trials—creating an efficient pathway toward mass production. Below is an overview of the CFRTP evaluation process.

【Flat Plate Prototyping for Condition Setting】
At the initial development stage, A4-sized flat plates are molded, and test specimens are cut out for evaluation.
Plate thickness range: 0.5–5.0 mm
Variables tested: temperature, pressure, cooling conditions

Material combinations are examined, including:
Resins: PP, PA6, PEEK, PLA, PA11
Intermediate materials: prepreg, nonwoven fabric, chopped fiber, UD tape

Flat plate evaluation allows confirmation of:
Fiber orientation
Resin impregnation quality
Surface appearance

This stage establishes the baseline processing conditions for further development.

【Trials with Simple Geometries】
After flat plate validation, molding trials are conducted using simple molds incorporating features such as:
Drawn shapes
Ribs
Pierced or cut-out geometries

At this stage, engineers evaluate:
Material flow behavior
Strength variation due to fiber orientation
Feasibility of draft angles and rib height
Dimensional accuracy and appearance consistency

The insights gained here are critical before moving to full-scale product geometry.

【Actual Product Shape Trials and Final Evaluation】
In the final stage, molding trials are performed using molds that replicate the real component geometry.
Maximum mold size: 1200 × 1500 mm
Typical product size guideline: up to 500 × 500 mm

Here, molding conditions are finalized in preparation for mass production.

After molding, dimensional accuracy and appearance are verified using:
3D coordinate measuring machines
Image-based dimensional measurement systems

【Inspection and Secondary Processing】
Reliable quality assurance requires precise measurement and inspection.

In addition to in-house measurement systems, external research institutions are utilized when necessary to ensure highly reliable verification.

Although machining operations such as drilling or cutting are not performed in-house, collaboration with partner companies enables support for secondary processing and assembly. This integrated approach covers the full process from prototype to mass production.

【Advantages of a Step-by-Step Mass Production Transition】
By following a structured evaluation flow, risks during mass production launch can be minimized.

The process:
Establish baseline conditions with flat plate trials
Confirm feasibility with simple geometry trials
Finalize production parameters through actual-shape molding
This staged approach shortens development time and ensures stable product quality.

【Summary】
CFRTP can fully demonstrate its performance advantages when supported by a proper evaluation process.

Kawamura Kikai Co., Ltd. provides consistent support from flat plate prototyping and actual-shape trials to coordinated secondary processing with partner companies—all with mass production in mind.

For companies seeking efficient product development using advanced composite materials, partnering with an organization that offers a reliable evaluation system is essential.

【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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