Plasticomp installs new LFT compounding line
The new long-fiber thermoplastics compounding equipment will increase production capacity by 5 million lb (22.68 metric tonnes) at the company's Winona, Minn. headquarters.

Translucent, long fiber-reinforced compound
Long fiber thermoplastic specialist PlastiComp has announced development of a new translucent, long-fiber reinforced compound.

Long fiber polyamide
PlastiComp Inc. has introduced Complete MT, a maximum toughness long fiber (LFT) polyamide that is said to have equivalent strength to industry standard LFT polyamides, yet is extremely tough with up to twice as much resistance to impact forces as standard materials.

A hidden revolution: FRP rebar gains strength
Fiber-reinforced plastics replacing coated steel in more reinforced-concrete applications.

LFT for EMI shielding
PlastiComp LLC’s newest long-fiber thermoplastic (LFT) compounds provide up to 70 dB EMI shielding at frequencies of 1 MHz and higher.

UBSs: Coming to North America
 Common in Europe and Asia, the composite underbody shield might finally catch on in the U.S. and Canada.

SPE's ACCE 2009 Show Preview
The Society’s 2009 Automotive Composites Conference & Exhibition charts an industry at a crossroads.

PlastiComp offers D-LFT for compression molding
Direct Long Fiber Technology reportedly offers alternative to glass-mat thermoplastic sheet.

News briefs -- Feb. 3, 2009
Methods celebrates 50 years in business; Nilfisk offers leasing program for vacuum systems; Novacel opens Czech sales office; International Plastics Design Competition entries due April 1; NSF certifies geohermal pipes to Canadian standards; Paul Ness promoted at PlastiComp; Pat Wood joins TPI Composites Board of Directors; VISTAGY revenue increased 30 percent in 2008.

What's new in automotive front-end modules?
Composite and hybrid composite/metal solutions reduce cost and weight and increase assembly efficiency on passenger vehicles.