Advanced Composites Injection Molding

Reliant’s Extensive Materials Expertise

There’s never been a better time to investigate working with a composite materials manufacturer. Lowering the price per finished part, reducing part weight, and creating savings for consumers in areas such as fuel economy are all possible with the right experience and the correct materials.

Each composite material has unique strengths and drawbacks. Choosing the best material for your applications is not always easy. With Reliant Worldwide Plastics, our partners can explore creating solutions that are injection molded from more than half a dozen different cutting-edge materials. What are these materials?

PEEK:

Short for “polyether etherketone,” PEEK thermoplastics offer high-performance characteristics across many applications. Highly resistant to moisture, an excellent insulator, and chemically resistant, PEEK is a valuable resource for applications in the oil and gas, aerospace, automotive, and marine industries and other high-tech scenarios. Due to its high heat tolerance (in excess of 300°C) and chemical resistance and inherent lubricity, it is an ideal resin for lighter-weight components that would typically be made of metal.

PPS:

Polyphenylene Sulfide is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic with outstanding chemical and temperature resistance. Inherent flame retardancy and excellent electrical characteristics make PPS ideal for electronic connectors and housing applications. PPS boasts exceptional resistance to aggressive and corrosive chemicals and remains inert to steam, strong bases, fuels, and acids up to 200°C. PPS is also available in FDA-approved grades.

ULTEM® / PEI:

Polyetherimide resins are incredibly strong and durable in high-temperature applications. Their ability to withstand repetitive high-temperature cycles makes them ideal for defense and aerospace applications where flame resistance and low smoke and toxicity emissions are critical, as well as medical applications requiring autoclave sterilization. ULTEM® / PEI maintains structural integrity even after repeated exposure to extreme heat.

FST:

Short for “flame, smoke, and toxicity,” FST-rated thermoplastic resins provide critical safety benefits. In interior passenger-facing transportation applications—such as aircraft or subway cars—materials must withstand fire without releasing excessive amounts of toxic smoke.

IXEF 1521:

A 50% glass-reinforced polyarylamide resin, IXEF 1521 is exceptionally strong and stiff while maintaining high flow properties, making it ideal for thin-wall components. Known for producing glossy, highly cosmetic finished parts, IXEF 1521 differs from most glass-filled materials that typically result in rougher finishes. This material requires expert handling, which RWP delivers.

Complēt™:

A family of carbon- and glass-fiber-reinforced polymers by PlastiComp, Complēt™ materials offer an outstanding strength-to-weight ratio. These composites are ideal for metal replacement and lightweighting projects, with long-fiber products capable of reducing component weight by nearly 50% compared to all-metal assemblies.

Other Carbon- and Glass-Filled Polymers:

We work extensively with a wide range of carbon-filled and glass-filled resins. Fiber-reinforced polymers are at the forefront of modern manufacturing, and our expertise ensures durable, cost-effective components and tooling.

Our versatility and experience make Reliant Worldwide Plastics the ideal partner for redesigning and lightweighting existing components.

RELIANT-LITE® Advanced Overmolding for Custom Composites

Despite their advantages, composites are not ideal for every application. Traditional epoxy-bound composites can fail under high stress due to delamination, negating many material benefits and requiring a better solution.

To address this, Reliant developed and patented Homogeneous Connective Technology (HCT), now available as RELIANT-LITE®.

HCT eliminates delamination concerns by overmolding thermoplastic carbon fiber substructures using chemically compatible materials that form an intrinsically strong bond during manufacturing.

This process enhances load-bearing capability, extends part life, and allows full control over exterior aesthetics, including color and texture.

Ask us today how RELIANT-LITE® can deliver exceptional results for metal-to-plastic conversion projects in the advanced composites industry.