LONG FIBER EXTRUSION APPARATUS AND METHOD

• Main Authors: Spahn, Steven W, West, Jeffery H, Meredith, Michael A, Walker, Michael L, Donohoo, Mark K
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 24.05.2018
• Subjects: AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDEDFOR; SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; TRANSPORTING; WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE, IN GENERAL

A long fiber extrusion apparatus applies a polymer melt to a length of fiber using a die and an extruder where the length of fiber is directed to the die through a glass tube. The transparency of the glass tube enables viewing of the fiber as it is directed through the glass tube to monitor for any difficulties or problems encountered by the fiber passing through the glass tube. The glass interior surface of the glass tube reduces friction between the fiber and the glass surface and thereby reduces abrasion of the fiber and dust produced from abrasion of the fiber inside the glass tube.