Natural fibre-reinforced plastic

Now it is no longer a case of “jute instead of plastic”, but “jute and plastic” – these new composites are taking lightweight manufacturing by storm

Natural fibre-reinforced plastic made of flax, hemp or jute fibres

Natural fibre-reinforced plastic is replacing conventional reinforcement fibres made of carbon or glass fibre. This is because components made with this material are very lightweight whilst also having high rigidity – in other words ideal for motor vehicles. Natural fibres have lower density then glass fibres or mineral fillers. In other words a high volume of fibre means a lower component weight. Natural fibre-reinforced plastic was actually used in the Trabant. The bodywork of the “Rennpappe” (running cardboard) was primarily made of cotton-reinforced phenoplast. Natural fibre-reinforced plastic can generally be processed without any harm to health. Furthermore, natural fibres are relatively low cost as they are not dependent on the fluctuating oil price and the costs for components can therefore be budgeted easily The eco-balance is also better than glass fibres or mineral fillers since natural fibres require less energy for production and deliver an improved CO2 balance. Natural fibre-reinforced plastic is mainly used in the automotive industry. Every car contains an average of 3.6 kg of natural fibre-reinforced plastic. The components mainly include internal door linings, boot linings, headlinings, rear window shelves and dashboards. The fibres also enhance safety since they do not split and when they break they do not create sharp edges. The fibres used primarily include flax, hemp, jute and sisal – renewable raw materials which even enable natural fibre-reinforced plastic in bio-quality to be manufactured.

Natural fibre-reinforced plastic can be cut using a water jet system

Just like conventional composites, natural fibre-reinforced plastic can be machined easily using our water jet cutting systems. Precision cuts with clean edges for dashboards or door linings can be completed easily and efficiently. The benefit of water jet cutting is that the material does not become hot.

Would you like to machine this new material with a water jet system but you are not sure whether it is possible? Then contact us. We have years of experience and will be delighted to test your material in our systems. We will find the perfect cut for you – whether that means a water jet or laser beam. Write to us at info@gkteso.de.

  • gKteso contact
    • gKteso GmbH
    • Michael-Schäffer-Straße 1
    • D 86399 Bobingen, Germany

    • phone: +49 8234 966 38 41
    • fax: +49 8234 966 38 47
    • mail: info@gkteso.de

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