Long Fiber Injection

Numerous part design options are possible when using long fiber technology with the RIM process. In its development work to date with long fiber technology, Bayer has learned that this polyurethane composite process offers the following design possibilities:

Add Variety - LFT allows wall thickness variations from 3 millimeters to 5 millimeters in the same part.

Get Vertical - LFT can produce parts with nearly vertical walls. Bayer will continue to research this parameter with the goal of developing specific depths and draft angles that designers may use as a guide.

Be Strong, but Light - LFT opens a wider range of physical properties for reaction injection molded (RIM) parts. Flexural moduli can range from 250,000 psi to 1.1 million psi. This property will vary depending on the amount and the length of the glass fiber used and whether the polyurethane RIM system is foamed or a solid.

If weight is important, designers may find that using a foamed polyurethane RIM system with LFT may produce significant weight savings over other composite material options.

Make Big Parts - LFT can produce parts weighing as much as 30 lbs., depending on the polyurethane system's reactivity profile. A polyurethane system with slower reactivity can produce larger parts because it allows more time for the system to fill the larger mold.

LFT may not be cost effective for parts smaller than one square foot in size. Larger parts are limited only by the reach of the robotic arm that holds the polyurethane-dispensing mixhead. Parts up to six feet long are not uncommon.

Decorate It - LFT allows designers to decorate parts inside the mold using a polyurethane elastomer skin, two-component polyurethane paints, films, fabric or vinyl skins. These more automated decorating techniques allow production of high-quality decorated parts out of the mold, and often offers significant cost savings compared with secondary painting and decorating operations after the part is removed from the mold.

Door trim panels (LFI) Economic productivity with LFI Entry doors Bayer MaterialScience Polyurethanes Open the Door to Improved Strength, Aesthetics Garage door panels Bayer MaterialScience and Warner Industries LLC Give Standard Steel Garage Doors a Facelift LFI Cuts Weight of Truck Interior Panels Long Fiber Injection (LFI) Cuts Weight of Truck Interior Panels Spa panels Bayer MaterialScience’s Baydur® STR RIM System, Long Fiber Technology Offer Clear Advantages in Spa Application

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Long Fiber Injection

	Door trim panels (LFI) Economic productivity with LFI

	Entry doors Bayer MaterialScience Polyurethanes Open the Door to Improved Strength, Aesthetics

	Garage door panels Bayer MaterialScience and Warner Industries LLC Give Standard Steel Garage Doors a Facelift

	LFI Cuts Weight of Truck Interior Panels Long Fiber Injection (LFI) Cuts Weight of Truck Interior Panels

	Spa panels Bayer MaterialScience’s Baydur® STR RIM System, Long Fiber Technology Offer Clear Advantages in Spa Application