Sumitomo Polymer Composites Launches Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Polypropylene (PP)

Sumitomo Polymer Composites launches THERMOFILXP—a 30% glass-fiber-reinforced polypropylene, setting a new benchmark for efficiency and high performance.

Sumitomo Polymer Composites Co., Ltd. launchedTHERMOFILXPThis is a 30% glass-fiber-reinforced polypropylene (PP) material that delivers exceptional performance while significantly reducing cycle time. This material not only optimizes component manufacturing but also enhances the entire value chain—from European original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to end consumers.

Practical Solutions for Improving Production Efficiency

This innovation accurately addresses two major market pain points: first, the market demand for high-performance materials supporting product innovation, and second, the need for companies to enhance industrial competitiveness and control costs. THERMOFILXP provides a practical solution to improve production efficiency.

Molding cycle time reduced by up to 10%

Thanks to the optimized design of the material, compared with conventional glass fiber reinforced polypropylene (PP-GF), its molding cycleCan be shortened by up to 10%On an annual production basis, this is equivalent toNo additional industrial investment requiredunder the premise, the full-month production capacity has been increased.

The material brings immediate benefits to the customer.

Production efficiency has significantly improved

Component cost optimization

Equipment utilization improved

Technical Excellence and Sustainability

Mechanical properties are significantly improved.

From a technical standpoint, this material sets a new benchmark for mechanical performance within the THERMOFIL product line.

Tensile modulus: up to 8700 MPa

Tensile strength: up to 129 MPa

Notched Izod impact strength (23°C): 11 kJ/m²

CO2 equivalent emissions: 1.8

Custom-built for competitive athletes

This material integrates high durability, industrial efficiency, and low environmental impact, offering a clear solution to modern industrial challenges. With the dual advantages of high performance and a controllable carbon footprint, it delivers a sustainable and competitive solution for demanding applications.

Bruno Pandelio, Marketing and New Product Development Manager at Sumitomo Polymer Compounds Europe, stated:THERMOFILXP is not merely a new product developed for a specific application, but a genuine innovation designed to enhance customer competitiveness and unlock new possibilities for industrial performance.

To validate the aforementioned performance in a real industrial setting, the independent laboratory SKZ in Würzburg, Germany, tested the material and confirmed the initial estimated data through comprehensive experiments.

The test used a Krauss-Maffei PX160 injection molding machine (clamping force 1600 kN, screw diameter 35 mm), with the following specific parameters:

Test component: Box-shaped mold (158 × 100 × 50 mm)

Nominal thickness: 2.3 mm

Volume: 114 cubic centimeters

Runner System: Cold Runner

Test results show that, compared to THERMOFIL HP, THERMOFIL XP has a shorter molding cycle.Shortened by 12.5%, fully validating the company's initial forecast.

The launch of THERMOFILXP marks another milestone for Sumitomo Polymer Composites in developing high-performance materials tailored to modern industrial needs. With significantly shortened molding cycles, top-tier mechanical properties, and a low carbon footprint, this material offers European manufacturers a tangible advantage to enhance competitiveness.

Independently verified testing has confirmed that its performance not only meets the project's initial objectives but also holds the potential to drive long-term transformation in production methods. With its reliable, efficient, and future-oriented characteristics, THERMOFILXP stands out as the ideal material to empower industry leaders in addressing technological, economic, and environmental challenges.