RTP:"Reinforced Thermoplastics."Matrix:thermoplastic resins.Reinforce- ment:cut fibers.Pressure:50 to 150 MPa.Temperature:120-150C. RST:"Reinforced Stamped Thermoplastics."Pressure:15-20 MPa.Initial temperature:=200C;see Section 2.2.3. ZMC:Matrix:resin.Reinforcement:cut fibers.Pressure:30-50 MPa.Tem- perature:120-150C. TMC:Similar to "SMC"but with higher amount of glass fibers (a few millimeters in thickness). XMC:Similar to "SMC"but with specific orientation of the fibers. 2.3.2 Cost Comparison The diagram in Figure 2.17 allows the comparison of the cost to fabricate composite products.One needs to note the important difference between the cost of composites produced in large volume and the cost of high performance composites. 2003 by CRC Press LLCRTP: “Reinforced Thermoplastics.” Matrix: thermoplastic resins. Reinforce￾ment: cut fibers. Pressure: 50 to 150 MPa. Temperature: 120–150∞C. RST: “Reinforced Stamped Thermoplastics.” Pressure: 15–20 MPa. Initial temperature: ª200∞C; see Section 2.2.3. ZMC: Matrix: resin. Reinforcement: cut fibers. Pressure: 30–50 MPa. Tem￾perature: 120–150∞C. TMC: Similar to “SMC” but with higher amount of glass fibers (a few millimeters in thickness). XMC: Similar to “SMC” but with specific orientation of the fibers. 2.3.2 Cost Comparison The diagram in Figure 2.17 allows the comparison of the cost to fabricate composite products. One needs to note the important difference between the cost of composites produced in large volume and the cost of high performance composites. TX846_Frame_C02 Page 27 Monday, November 18, 2002 10:40 AM © 2003 by CRC Press LLC