Back-molding of high-gloss films with long-fiber reinforced thermoplastics large lft parts for automotive exterior body panel application

This present paper focuses on the process technology for manufacturing of large LFT parts for automotive exterior body panel applications by a back-molding technology of high- gloss films with LFT material based on styrene copolymers. The material development as well as the suitable adaptation of the LFT-D-ILC direct process is presented. Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology (ICT) and partners have combined the LFT direct process technology with high gloss polymer films for exterior body panels, e.g. roof modules, door panels etc. The process technology is developed to a prototype status and hence a promising starting point for the manufacturing of large automotive exterior parts.