Effect of Processing Conditions on Structural Performance of Fiber-Reinforced Parts

Commercially available simulation software was used to study the effect of processing conditions on the structural performance of glass-fiber-reinforced polypropylene. Processing conditions such as gate locations were used to evaluate the subsequent change in glass fiber orientation and its effect on structural performance of a demonstrative part. Results show that processing conditions play a critical role in the success of a structural composite and must be considered foremost in the design process.