Thermoplastic composite technology has grown from NASA-driven research beginning in the early 1980s. The goal then was to develop a means of incorporating thermoplastic resins into a continuous fiber reinforced composite. Because of the high melt viscosity of the resin and the extreme temperatures required for processing this was a challenge. Also, it was found that it was equally difficult to form this new material into a molded part.
Fibrtec solves this with a revolutionary flexible material that easily conforms to the molded shape. This new technology, invented by Robert Davies, the company founder, has been issued a US Patent.
Prior to forming Fibrtec, Robert Davies was a co-founder and Technical Director of a startup materials company that eventually became Applied Fiber Systems. It was formed to commercialize technology originally developed at Georgia Tech. Its charter was to commercialize a flexible thermoplastic composite prepreg. During this time he developed the production process and invented the patented process used to make the thermoplastic composite material known as “TowFlex”. Applied Fiber Systems was purchased by Hexcel Corporation, a large international materials company. After a couple years they discontinued the product line.
Fibrtec’s mission is to bring new thermoplastic composite materials to the market. Products that enable rapid, cost effective manufacturing of products made from them. We have plans to develop and incorporate some of the latest technologies in our prepregs such as carbon fiber nanotubes and eco friendly resins and more material and processing innovations.