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THERMOFILXP: A new PP-GF combining reduced cycle time with high-level mechanical performance

THERMOFILXP: A new PP-GF combining reduced cycle time with high-level mechanical performance

Developed by Sumika Polymer Compounds, this 30% glass-fibre reinforced PP offers exceptional performance while significantly reducing cycle times. It optimises not only part production but the entire value chain from European OEMs to the end consumer.

This innovation addresses two clear market challenges: the need for materials with superior properties to support product innovation, and the requirement for increased industrial competitiveness and cost control. THERMOFILXP provides a practical solution to boosting productivity.

| Up to 10% reduced cycle time

Thanks to the optimisations built into this solution, we can now achieve up to a 10% reduction in cycle time compared to typical PP-GF. Over the course of a year, this can represent the equivalent of a full month of additional capacity without any further industrial investment.

For our customers the impact is immediate:

  • Measurable improvements in productivity
  • Optimised part costs
  • Increased machine availability
  • Technical Excellence and Sustainability

| Enhanced mechanical performances

From a technical perspective, this material sets a new mechanical performance standard within the Thermofil range:

  • Tensile Modulus: up to 8,700 MPa
  • Tensile Strength: up to 129 MPa
  • Charpy Impact (Notched @23°C): 11 kJ/m²
  • CO₂ eq. Emissions: 1.8

| Designed for competitiveness

This unique combination of robustness, industrial efficiency, and reduced environmental impact positions the material as a clear answer to modern industrial challenges. By pairing high performance with a controlled carbon footprint, it offers a sustainable and competitive solution for the most demanding applications.

“ThermofilXP is not just a new product developed for a specific application; it is a genuine innovation designed to strengthen our customers’ competitiveness and open up new possibilities for industrial performance.” — Bruno Pendélio | Head of Marketing & New Product Development Manager at Sumika Polymer Compounds Europe

To validate these claims under representative industrial conditions, trials were conducted by independent laboratory SKZ, Wuerzburg, Germany. A comprehensive testing campaign was carried out to confirm our initial estimates.

Injection trials were performed on a KraussMaffei PX160 (1600 kN clamping force, 35 mm diameter screw) using the following parameters:

  • Test part: Box tool (158 × 100 × 50 mm)
  • Nominal thickness: 2.3 mm
  • Volume: 114 cm³
  • Runner system: Cold runner

Overall, ThermofilXP achieved a 12.5% cycle time reduction compared to ThermofilHP, fully confirming our initial forecasts

With ThermofilXP, Sumika Polymer Compounds has reached a new milestone in developing high-performance materials suited to today’s industrial demands. By combining significant cycle time reductions, top-tier mechanical properties, and a low carbon footprint, this new grade provides European manufacturers with a tangible lever for improving competitiveness.

Validated by independent testing, its performance confirms both the project’s original ambitions and its potential to transform production practices for the long term. ThermofilXP stands out as a reliable, efficient, and forward-looking solution: a material designed to support industry leaders in facing their technical, economic, and environmental challenges.

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