JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #104 - April/May 2016 - 61

process

Manufacturing with wood-plastic composites
What do product designers and plastics manufacturers need to know
about working with wood-plastic composites? The material selection process usually begins with a new idea for a product, or an idea
for improving on an existing product. The owner of that idea then
sits down with a product designer to talk about turning it into a
reality. They may discuss the necessary physical characteristics, the
materials that could in theory meet those needs, and the benefits
and drawbacks of each potential material. Once these design decisions are made, the product can be sent to the manufacturer.

hough many of the formulaic
details concerning the makeup
of wood-plastic composites are
made long before the material reaches
the manufacturer, the particulars will be
of some interest to toolmakers, moulders, extruders and other manufacturers, as they may have a subtle effect on
the overall flow of the process. Even
with wood-plastic composites, which
preserve so much of traditional plastic
production, manufacturers will want
to have a handle on details like the
percentage of biomaterials used in the
composite, particle size and processing
temperatures.
This knowledge will help to alleviate any
concerns that wood-plastic composites
are an all-together foreign raw material
and dispel any myths about their inherent "manufacturability."

Particle size and wood species:
The designer's choice
Particle size and wood species are two
features of wood-plastic composites

that designers are able to choose prior
to production. These characteristics
are typically selected during the design
phase and will have a significant bearing
on the look and feel of the finished
product.
Larger-sized wood particles will be
visible in the finished product, giving it
a more wood-like appearance. Products manufactured from smaller-sized
particles, on the other hand, will appear
more like they were formed from a
traditional plastic. If the appearance of
being crafted from wood is important
to the overall product, designers will be
better served by a larger particle size.
The species of wood selected as the
organic filler for the composite material
will have an effect on the colour of the
final product. Items manufactured using
a pine filler will come out lighter than
those manufactured from a maple filler,
for example. Discussing colour considerations with the supplier is always a
good idea.
Hardwood blends are another option
for designers. But these can be difficult

By
Kevin irelanD
cOmmunicatiOns manager,
green DOt

to colour match, with a natural variability resulting from the uniqueness of
each blend. If consistency is a primary
concern, it might be better to stay away
from hardwood blends.
It may be helpful for product designers
to engage manufacturers to discuss
particle size and wood species, why each
was chosen and any advice from the
supplier on achieving the agreed-upon
final characteristics. This will ensure
that things flow smoothly from conception through execution.

The Terratek® WC line of wood-plastic composites
combines the pleasing look of wood with the functionality and manufacturing ease of plastics

No104 April - May 2016 / jec

composites magazine

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #104 - April/May 2016