Improving the Future with Advanced Material Solutions
Go Green with Great Lakes Composites Institute!

The Great Lakes Composites Institute’s vision is to lead a worldwide revolution in the reinforced thermoplastic composite technology industry with a new patented process called Direct Reinforced Fiber Technology (DRIFT).  Applications using the DRIFT process are only limited by a person’s imagination and the best benefit is that the products are recyclable and safer for our environment.  Our technology can replace materials such as steel, wood, iron, fiberglass, to name a few, as well as existing composite materials; with advanced material solutions.  Through our technical support, outside consultants, testing, and research and development capabilities, the Institute and Great Lakes Composites can bring your products into the 21st Century of reinforced thermoplastic composites by creating affordable innovative solutions!

Affordability in composite materials and fabrication processes is a primary consideration for both government and commercial markets alike.  Before the development of the DRIFT process, high quality continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic impregnated tape, tow, and rod was not cost effective.  The patented process heat fuses thermoplastic resins to continuous fibers, efficiently and thoroughly impregnating the continuous fibers with thermoplastic resins without fiber damage and with minimal or no voids.  The resulting properties and performance from the materials produced with the DRIFT process far exceed current industry standards.

Thermoplastic composites materials and products produced utilizing the DRIFT process have the following features and benefits:

• Combination of exceptional strength and stiffness of continuous fiber reinforcements with the
       advantages of thermoplastic resins
• Extremely high impact resistance
• Outstanding inter-laminar sheer properties
• Extremely high strength to weight ratio; durable and lightweight
• Corrosion and moisture resistance providing extended life
• Fully consolidated to reduce manufacturing cycle times
• Rapid molding cycle times, improved cyclic fatigue and overall pressure ratings
• Capable of being significantly longer in length with fewer joints or seams
• Not limited to one or two thermoplastic resins; numerous resins have been tested with favorable
       results
• More importantly, recyclable – green technology which reduces waste and provides a safer
       environment. 

Types of Applications (to name a few):

• Automotive Interior / Exterior:  Headliner, load floors, seats, shields, skid plates, bumpers, skins,
       hydraulic tubing, leaf springs, and other welded parts
• Culverts, pipes, pilings
• Building and Construction: Durable wall panels, security panels, concrete forms, decks
• Consumer / Commercial / Industrial:  Marine, docks, signs, furniture, cases
• Transportation:  Class 8 trucks, recreational vehicles, liner, scuff plate, flooring, railroad, mass
       transit
• Military:  Tanks, armored vehicles, body armor
• Replace materials such as steel, wood, fiberglass, metal, to name a few, with our advanced material
       solutions

Our customers are active partners.  Working with the Institute, customers save time and money by moving quickly from problem to solution.  The Institute continues to expand the development of DRIFT applications and new patents by leading customers through testing, and research and development.   The Institute offers customers the facilities and expertise to experiment with a wide range of challenges.  Under the direction of Joel A. Dyksterhouse, Technical Director, our trained technicians conduct testing of new materials, processes, tooling, and application development necessary to successfully transfer DRIFT technology into markets such as automotive, construction, defense, industrial and transportation.  The Institute takes time to understand each customer’s application and requirements. Our composite team is dedicated to making sure your business has what you need for today, tomorrow, and the future.  There are numerous opportunities for partnering and educational growth.   The Institute provides a unique and valuable forum for engineers, scientists, designers, businessmen and academicians.  We look forward to staying on the cutting edge of this technology and we encourage you to become part of it as well.