Aptiform is dedicated to moulding complex shapes from self-reinforced composites - a family of materials with both fibre and matrix made from the same polymer. These materials offer a unique balance of properties and cost, particularly suited to radio transparencies and ballistic components.

Aptiform was launched as a commercial moulding company toward the end of 2006. We're currently involved in component manufacture and product development in aerospace, defence, personal protective equipment, leisure craft, luggage and low volume automotive. The material benefits exploited by these sectors are radar/radio transparency, high impact performance/ballistic properties, weight and recyclability.

The family of materials includes self-reinforced polypropylene and PET, with developments currently being made in polyamides and polyethylene.  Specific strength and stiffness are approximately equal to glass-reinforced polymers, whilst properties such as impact performance and radio-transparency far exceed conventional materials.

The moulding techniques that we use are based on the results of extensive development work undertaken in collaboration with customers and materials suppliers. There are only a handful of companies worldwide that have the ability to form this family of materials, and we have a range of forming processes appropriate to different component sizes and production volumes. A selection of components that we have produced are across.

This capability will allow OEM’s and their supply chains to benefit from the light weight, recyclability, radio-transparency, high impact performance and low cost offered by self-reinforced plastics. We would anticipate potential uses in the following sectors:

 Construction – Shuttering and Formwork
 Sports and Leisure – Luggage; Loudspeaker Cones
 Automotive – Parcel Shelves; Undershields; Liners
 Marine – Personal Watercraft
 Off-Road Vehicles – High-Impact Exterior Panels
 Protective Equipment – Safety Helmets; Ballistic and Injury Protection
 Medical – Orthoses; Temporary Supports