New Fabrics For Plastic Injection Molders
U.S.-based Polymer Group Inc. (PGI) has announced the commercial availability of new
engineered materials offering benefits for injection molders in a wide range of automotive and
other recreational and residential applications.The new, 100-percent-recyclable polyester (PET)
fabrics are used as a backing material in the one-step injection molding process, which is
increasingly being used by auto parts manufacturers for interiortrim applications. Laminated to
knit facing materials for use in the one-step injection molding process, the new fabrics, according
to PGI, offer benefits over traditional needlepunched fleece synthetic fabrics, such as excellent
conformity to the facing fabric, better protection of the fabric in extremely high temperatures and
improved moldability to the part.The new fabrics are made with a spunlace manufacturing process
that maintains elongation properties of the fibers in both machine and cross machine directions for
enhanced performance during molding. As a result, the mold barrier fabric easily conforms to the
shape of the mold while maintaining structural integrity and barrier properties.Fabrics are
available in a variety of weights to meet a range of temperatures for high- and low-pressure
injection molding. Currently produced in white, the company also has the capability to provide
colored materials.
March/April 2005