Patent: Hybrid structural components by combining LFT plastic injection molding (long fiber thermoplastic) & additive manufactured continuous fiber inserts.

Injection molded plastic parts can be made lightweight in a number of ways. A new strategie for reducing the weight of injection molded parts is shown by our sample case study:
With a special process, patented by acad, injection molded parts can be strengthened locally in an effective and sustainably simple way.
By combining LFT (Long Fiber Thermoplastic) and additively manufactured continuous fiber inserts, it is possible to produce high-strength and considerably lighter structural components by serial injection molding.

Main Advantages:
- Local load-optimized and automated integration of continuous fibers in LFT injection molded components at the hot spots
- additive manufacturing of semi-finished products from pre-impregnated continuous fibers
- optimal load transfer due to compatible matrix materials for inserts and injection molding material
- elimination of weak points such as flow lines in LFT injection molded components