PlastiComp Inc. has expanded its Complet long-fiber reinforced thermoplastic lineup to include drop-in replacements for die-cast magnesium.

The Winona, Minn., company claims the new compounds exhibit mechanical and electrical properties equal to magnesium values in injection molding and extrusion while offering weight savings of up to 40 percent. PlastiComp cited potential applications are in hand-held devices and peripherals and automotive parts.

Consumer electronics and automotive parts fabricators often choose metals such as magnesium for stiffness and electromagnetic shielding but the new long fiber compounds are available as substitutes.

PlastiComp says the new compounds match mechanical and electrical properties of magnesium and aluminum. The long-fiber composites have tensile modulus of up to 42 gigapascal,s surface resistivity as low as 0.2 ohm per square and EMI shielding of 60 to 80 decibels, depending on thickness.

PlastiComp vice president of technology Raj Mathur claims the compounds are highly moldable even though they contain long fibers and nano fillers. The firm’s tests show a network of intertwined carbon fibers and uniform dispersion of nano fillers in part cross sections of 1 millimeter or less. Base resins for the composites comprise a variety of commodity and engineering resins.

Tel. 507-858-0330, email info@plasticomp.com.