SPE Announces Alformet as Preferred Partner

SPE recently announced Alformet as a SPE Preferred Partner. A SPE Preferred Partner is a converter, manufacturer, solutions provider, or product distributor that has been recognized by SPE for demonstrated leadership and innovation in the plastics industry. Their products and services are valuable to SPE’s members.

Alformet specializes in an additive manufacturing process which uses laser radiation as a heat source for welding continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic (CFR TP) pre-impregnated material, commonly known as UD-tapes. Laser-assisted tape deposition (LATD) is a clean process which is single step, has minimal electricity requirements, uses no harsh chemicals, and has no harmful emissions.

The LATD machinery which Alformet utilizes, from its parent company, AFPT, is highly optimized for automated and cost-effective production. One of its specialty products are tubular, thin-walled inserts for local reinforcement for injection molding parts. This allows for optimized, more durable injection molded parts that can be tailor reinforced against fatigue or catastrophic failure. Additionally, by applying the same thermoplastics as inserts, the products remain easily recyclable. 

“These inserts add a whole new dimension to the design of performance injected-molded parts that is industry agnostic,” says Lucas Ciccarelli, M.Sc., Alformet’s Senior Sales Engineer. “As a Preferred Partner of SPE, we look to educate plastic producers in all markets on how their products can be made stronger and more resistant with smarter design.”

CFR TP components have the advantage of being anisotropic, meaning that they can have a load-oriented design, have a specific strength higher than metals, and allow for classic post-processing such as turning, cutting, drilling, and bending. The name Alformet is derived from the inherent property of these materials that they are true alternatives for metal. 

“We are excited about adding a Preferred Partner that offers products that are truly innovative, providing excellent opportunities for SPE’s members,” said Michael Greskiewicz, SPE’s Director, Sales & Advertising. “With Alformet’s participation in our Preferred Partner program, we look forward to continued growth of this program for our members.”

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About SPE
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About Alformet
Alformet specializes in an additive manufacturing process which uses laser radiation as a heat source for welding continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic (CFR TP) pre-impregnated material, commonly known as tapes. Using the Laser-Assisted Tape Winding (LATW) technology of parent company AFPT, Alformet makes tubular CFR TP products accessible, cost-effective in small and large quantities and in high quality due to tight process control. www.alformet.com