KraussMaffei is setting a milestone in the processing of fiber-reinforced thermoplastics with its new Chopped Fiber Processing (CFP) technology. This innovative process enables the direct, fiber-friendly compounding of polypropylene (PP) and chopped glass fibers in the injection molding process for the first time.

KraussMaffei will demonstrate its new CFP technology for automotive application.

At K 2025, KraussMaffei will show the CFP technology live. A GX 650-4300 with the new LRXplus 350 linear robot will produce a complex tailgate component for the automotive industry.

Flexible direct compounding and customizable formulations for wide range of applications

Compared to traditional processes using pre-compounded long glass fiber granulate, the CFP technology enables separate dosing of PP and glass fibers.

Both components can be supplied directly via the machine's conveyor system, homogenized in the cylinder, and processed particularly gently with the help of the new CFP screw. This offers the advantage that no fiber clusters are formed during processing, thus ensuring optimum component properties at significantly lower material costs.

The CFP technology also allows individually dose and mix polymers and fibers. Plastic processors can develop their own formulations for components and build up material expertise, giving them a targeted competitive advantage.

At the same time, savings in material usage lead to cost reductions of up to 30% and a noticeable reduction in the product carbon footprint (PCF) through inline compounding.

The new CFP technology offers a high degree of flexibility in the production of structural, load-bearing components, and reinforcement elements for wide range of applications, from automotive and aerospace industries to technical consumer goods.

Live demonstration at K 2025

At K fair, the new CFP technology will be demonstrated on a GX 650-4300, of 6500 kN clamping force, with an LRXplus 350 linear robot. The machine will produce a complex, functionally integrated tailgate component with realistic 3D geometry and high functional integration, without reworking and ready for assembly straight from the machine.

GX 650-4300.

The GX 650-4300 is also equipped with proven BluePower options such as servo drive and insulating sleeves. With BluePower energy and performance monitoring, plastics processors are able to call up precise energy consumption data. In addition, the BluePower ecoAssistant enables the machine to be switched to an energy-efficient mode at the touch of a button while maintaining the same performance.

The component is filled in cascade via three injection points. The proven APCplus machine function impresses with new features at K. For example, cascadeX ensures weld line-free filling behavior and improved mechanical properties in applications with cascades. The APCplus function materialX uses material-specific compression curves to control the injection molding process. This achieves a particularly high level of component precision.

APCplus machine function.

The weigh unit integrated into the gripper of the LRXplus 350 determines and records the weight of the components cycle by cycle. All production data and quality characteristics are documented online. Upon removal, all components are given an individual QR code imprint. Plastics processors can retrieve the quality characteristics of a component and its production data online at any time.