Reinforced Thermoplastics Braided for Performance

Thermoplastic resins that are reinforced with fiber enhance the use of the thermoplastics for more rigorous applications and environments. One form of reinforced thermoplastics that is growing in popularity is braided thermoplastics.

Braiding refers to fabrics that are continuously woven, using three or more yarns that are intertwined, with no two yarns being twisted around one another. This continuous interlocking of fibers offers greater strength-to-weight ratio and impact resistance than woven fabric because the load is evenly and efficiently distributed throughout the braided structure.

A hybrid process

A braided fiber system combines properties of both filament winding and woven material. Braiding has the seamless continuity of filament winding with the mechanical interlocking of woven materials. With these attributes, braided composites can improve performance with continuous, consistent, and evenly distributed fiber structure that offers greater impact resistance. It also offers improved manufacturing efficiencies through part-to-part repeatability.

As a stronger and more flexible alternative to woven composites, braided thermoplastic composites are becoming popular for applications including aircraft, race cars, industrial propellers, and recreational products like hockey sticks. As manufacturing costs decrease, braided thermoplastics will be more cost-competitive, helping them move to the forefront of the composites market with the promise of structural integrity and weight savings.

Composites One offers braided thermoplastics from A&P Technology, a world leader in braiding technology. Customized braided thermoplastic solutions are available for unique manufacturing requirements for a variety of applications in the aerospace, automotive, recreational, and infrastructure segments.

Contact the experts at Composites One to learn how reinforced thermoplastic solutions can help you maximize manufacturing performance.