Developed by Sumika Polymer Compounds, this 30% glass-fibre reinforced PP offers exceptional performance while significantly reducing cycle times. It optimises not only part production but the entire value chain from European OEMs to the end consumer.
This innovation addresses two clear market challenges: the need for materials with superior properties to support product innovation, and the requirement for increased industrial competitiveness and cost control. THERMOFILXP provides a practical solution to boosting productivity.
Up to 10% reduced cycle time
Thanks to the optimisations built into this solution, we can now achieve up to a 10% reduction in cycle time compared to typical PP-GF. Over the course of a year, this can represent the equivalent of a full month of additional capacity without any further industrial investment.
For our customers the impact is immediate:
- Measurable improvements in productivity
- Optimised part costs
- Increased machine availability
- Technical Excellence and Sustainability
| Materials | Injection time (s) | Holding time (s) | Cooling time (s) | Saving (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| THERMOFILHP F611X99 | 1,6 | 16,04 | 11,44 | Reference |
| THERMOFILXP F614X99 | 1,6 | 15,08 | 10,79 | 5,5 |
| THERMOFILXP F616X99 | 1,6 | 14,03 | 9,82 | 12,5 |
Enhanced mechanical performances
From a technical perspective, this material sets a new mechanical performance standard within the Thermofil range:
- Tensile Modulus: up to 8,700 MPa
- Tensile Strength: up to 129 MPa
- Charpy Impact (Notched @23°C): 11 kJ/m²
- CO₂ eq. Emissions: 1.8
| MFR (g/10min) | Specific Gravity (g/cm³) | Carbon footprint (CO2 eq.) | Tensile Modulus (MPa) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Charpy Imp. Notched @23°C (kJ/m²) | Charpy Imp. Unnotched @23°C (kJ/m²) | HDT @1.80MPa (°C) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| THERMOFILXP F614X99 | 12 | 1,12 | 1,8 | 8700 | 129 | 11 | 60 | 157 |
| THERMOFILXP F616X99 | 15 | 1,12 | 1,8 | 7500 | 120 | 10 | 50 | 156 |
Designed for competitiveness
This unique combination of robustness, industrial efficiency, and reduced environmental impact positions the material as a clear answer to modern industrial challenges. By pairing high performance with a controlled carbon footprint, it offers a sustainable and competitive solution for the most demanding applications.
“ThermofilXP is not just a new product developed for a specific application; it is a genuine innovation designed to strengthen our customers’ competitiveness and open up new possibilities for industrial performance.”
— Bruno Pendélio | Head of Marketing & New Product Development Manager at Sumika Polymer Compounds Europe
To validate these claims under representative industrial conditions, trials were conducted by independent laboratory SKZ, Wuerzburg, Germany. A comprehensive testing campaign was carried out to confirm our initial estimates.
Injection trials were performed on a KraussMaffei PX160 (1600 kN clamping force, 35 mm diameter screw) using the following parameters:
- Test part: Box tool (158 × 100 × 50 mm)
- Nominal thickness: 2.3 mm
- Volume: 114 cm³
- Runner system: Cold runner
Overall, ThermofilXP achieved a 12.5% cycle time reduction compared to ThermofilHP, fully confirming our initial forecasts
With ThermofilXP, Sumika Polymer Compounds has reached a new milestone in developing high-performance materials suited to today’s industrial demands. By combining significant cycle time reductions, top-tier mechanical properties, and a low carbon footprint, this new grade provides European manufacturers with a tangible lever for improving competitiveness.
Validated by independent testing, its performance confirms both the project’s original ambitions and its potential to transform production practices for the long term. ThermofilXP stands out as a reliable, efficient, and forward-looking solution: a material designed to support industry leaders in facing their technical, economic, and environmental challenges.
About Sumika Polymer Compounds
Sumika Polymer Compounds Europe, part of the Japanese group Sumitomo Chemical, has been manufacturing thermoplastics for over 45 years and offers a wide range of thermoplastic compounds and polyolefin-based elastomers.
The company is a leader in the field of high-quality polyolefin thermoplastic compounds and elastomers, supporting customers in achieving their economic goals while meeting current environmental requirements. As a specialist in polypropylene compounds for automotive, white goods and specialised applications, it is recognised for its broad portfolio of high-performance products. In addition, the company supplies sustainable plastic compounds for industrial use.
Sumika Polymer Compounds Europe continuously develops new technologies to meet future demands. As part of a global network of Sumika companies across Japan, the UK, France, India, Turkey, Poland, the USA, China and Thailand, it acts as a global partner, providing local supply and support to customers worldwide.
