What are
the advantages of thermoplastic composites vs. thermoset composites?
Thermoplastic composites withstand high loads but at the same time are light.
They are in addition cleaner, stronger and in general more cost-effective
than composites involving thermoset plastics. The mechanical properties
are comparable with those of thermoset composites, however TEPEX® is
much tougher, especially at low temperatures. (See also TEPEX®
benefits)
How is TEPEX® made?
Bond-Laminates is the first company to use a double-belt press for the continuous
production of TEPEX®. The double-belt press permits laminating on a
volume production basis, with consistently high product quality coupled
with low production costs.
In what sizes and thicknesses is TEPEX®
available?
TEPEX® is available in thicknesses ranging from less than 0.1 mm to
more than 6.0 mm. The length is fundamentally unlimited, the only restricting
factor being ease of transportation.
What TEPEX® types are there?
TEPEX® is manufactured with glass, carbon and/or aramid fibres. Virtually
any thermoplastic, for example PP, PA, TPU, PPS etc., can be used as the
matrix material. Almost all materials can be optimised to incorporate specific
requirements, depending on application. The customer always obtains what
is the best and most economical solution for their specific application.
Which TEPEX® material is the best for
my purposes?
That depends on a variety of factors: the mechanical loads encountered,
the thermal and chemical operating conditions, the desired weight, the quality
of finish required, etc. We will gladly advise you on choosing the optimum
material for your purposes.
What mechanical properties does TEPEX®
possess?
The mechanical properties depend on which fibre and matrix material are
used, as well as on the weave structure of the fibres. All TEPEX® types
are very strong, rigid and impact-resistant, though the carbon and aramid-based
material types are even stronger and more rigid than the glass-based materials
(TEPEX® properties).
What thermal properties does TEPEX® possess?
The thermal properties depend on the type of thermoplastic used. Melting
temperatures range from 165° C to 300° C, and maximum operating
temperatures between 60° C and 200° C (TEPEX®
properties).
What chemical properties does TEPEX® possess?
The chemical properties are likewise determined mainly by the matrix material.
Most TEPEX® types exhibit high chemical resistance, and the PPS line
in particular is notable for its excellent resistance to a wide range of
chemicals.
How is TEPEX® shaped to form products?
There are a number of forming techniques for TEPEX®; which one is used
depends on the geometry of the product and the quantity to be produced.
For a detailed explanation, see our website, under the menu item Processing
technologies (TEPEX® forming).
What processing times are achieved for forming
TEPEX®?
Most products can be formed in 20 – 60 seconds.
What does TEPEX® cost compared to other
materials?
The prices for TEPEX® depend on the material type, structure and quantity.
Prices per kilogram are generally higher than for steel or aluminium. Thanks
to the much lower material density and the cost-effective production technology,
the prices of the finished products are comparable to or actually lower
than those for metal and thermoset parts. The material price has to be evaluated
taking the complete value chain into account.
Depending on application and volume, the material price can be somewhere
between approx. 7 and 150 €/kg. There is always a good TEPEX® material
for your budget!
