Bufa Thermoplastic Composites, a company specialising in the sale of raw materials and semi-finished products for manufacture of components from long and continuous fibre-reinforced thermoplastics, is expanding its portfolio with products from Maruhachi, the Japanese manufacturer of thermoplastic composites in the form of UD tapes and organosheets.

Maruhachi distinguishes itself as a competent partner of Bufa Thermoplastic Composites – the latest spin-off of the Bufa group – through its high-quality development and production, according to a press release by Bufa Thermoplastic Composites.

UD tapes are continuous fibre-reinforced tapes in which glass or carbon fibres are embedded ideally in a thermoplastic matrix letting new possibilities arise in the production of components. Although they are made very thinly, they have a high stability and are lightweight. This allows complex component shapes to be produced. Thermoplastic UD tapes are suitable for recycling: efficient processing, high toughness, low flammability and conductivity etc. The tapes are processed in the so-called tape laying process. In addition, complex three-dimensional components such as tanks can be produced with the aid of winding technology.

If fabrics are impregnated with thermoplastics instead of continuous fibres, this is referred to as organosheets, whose mechanical properties can exceed those of a metal sheet. They can easily be thermoformed into the desired component shape. The products are used in dynamic structural applications in various market segments like transportation (automotive), electronics, sports, construction and civil engineering or consumer goods. (PC)