Glass fibers added into the polymer matrix raise the strength and rigidity of a plastic part.
The fibers are oriented during the injection molding process dependent on the melt flow.
The orientation differs over the wall thickness.
At weld lines, the fibers position perpendicular to the flow direction.
The mentioned effects lead to an anisotropic material behavior.
Anisotropy has an essential influence on strength, rigidity, shrinkage and deformation of the part.
Plastic: The glass fiber orientation near the weld line in injection molding simulation (left) and in the CT Scan (right).
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This glossary of plastic industry is provided by PLEXPERT Canada Inc.
