Performance Plastics – Experts in Extremely Tight Tolerance Custom Injection Molding

June 17, 2021  |  , , , , , , ,

For four decades, Performance Plastics has been delivering the highest quality custom plastic injection molding solutions in the industry for our customers. We take a highly specialized and consultative approach, working closely with our customers to develop the solutions needed to solve the most complicated issues.

We have the experience to take a project from concept to production in-house. Every step of the process, from design and engineering, to tooling, protype, and full production, is done under the supervision of our experienced team. We produce complex, tight tolerance custom molded products of all types for the aerospace, medical and diversified industrial sectors.

We are technical specialists in collaborating and executing advanced, custom solutions for our customers. Injection-molded product fabrication is a complex process, especially when dealing with parts that are the size of a pin.  Our process is comprehensive and efficient to ensure that custom solutions can be delivered quickly and cost-effectively. High performance materials include PFA, FEP, ETFE, PVDF, PEEK, ULTEM, and Torlon.

With the ability to injection mold shot sizes as small as .015 grams with a wall thicknesses as thin as .008 of inch, Performance Plastics is anything but typical.  We are one of the leaders in tight tolerance, highly detailed medical parts.

For more information on how Performance Plastics can solve your tight tolerance molding challenges, please contact Rich Reed, VP Sales & Marketing at 513.321.8404 or [email protected].

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Plastic Injection Molding vs 3D Printing

June 3, 2021  |  , , , , , ,

Choosing the best technology for your application

Plastic injection molding and 3D printing are both viable technologies. 3D printing has given engineers the power to create designs and bring them to life in a matter of hours. Injection molding, on the other hand, is the proven technology for complexity, quality, and value. It is used to produce high-volume runs of complex plastic designs quickly and reliably. They are complimentary processes.

The use of 3D printing in innovative and experimental scenarios is a viable technology for its ability to create custom plastic part designs quickly.  The medical industry has embraced the use of the quick-turn technology to create custom items such as prosthetics, dental products, orthopedics, implants and more.  3D printing is the optimal choice during the design process, when low volume and design changes are necessary in refining the design process. However, the 3D process limits your material choices, as all materials are not a fit or even available in a form suitable for 3D printing.

3D printing is best used for:

  • Quick turnaround times
  • Low volume, slower production speeds
  • Parts in the design phase with frequent changes – prototyping, lower product quality
  • Smaller part sizes

Once a design has been finalized, plastic injection molding becomes the optimal process.  Most of today’s plastic parts are manufactured using plastic injection molding – it’s best for producing large quantities quickly and reliably in high volume runs. You have greater material options with plastic injection molding, and you can control material weight, cost, flexibility with endless combinations of materials.  It helps organizations control the cost and integrity of designs with complexities and tight tolerances.

Plastic Injection molding is best used for:

  • High volume
  • Finalized part design
  • Enhanced strength and durability
  • Complex, precision, detailed parts

At Performance Plastics we have been presented with many opportunities that were previously manufactured using 3D printing, only to discover that injection molding was the more appropriate technology.  As experts in FEP, PFA, PAI (Torlon), Ryton PPS, PEEK and Ultem resins we frequently work with mission-critical applications.  We understand that 3D printing can be an essential component of the design process.  If you have a project that requires high volume (5,000+ parts per year), has high-temperature resin requirements, tight tolerance with complex geometries, plastic injection molding is your solution.

If you don’t have a lot of time, need a lot of flexibility, and need a few parts right now, 3D printing may be your choice.  But, if you need to do large, repetitive product runs with complex geometries, tight tolerances, with high quality, consider plastic injection molding.

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Performance Plastics Announces New Website Launch

May 25, 2021  |  ,

May 25, 2021

(Cincinnati, OH) Performance Plastics – Problem Solved – today announced the launch of its newly designed website www.performanceplastics.com to provide customers more relevant and easier to find information on thermoplastic high-performance polymers for the aerospace, medical and diversified industrial markets.

Since 1982, Performance Plastics, has partnered with its customers to leverage the performance advantages of high temperature thermoplastics. We have extensive experience injection molding materials such as Peek, Torlon, various fluoropolymers (e.g. PFA, FEP, PVDF, ETFE, etc.) and other high performance thermoplastic compounds.  Further, our company is one of the few able to injection mold fluoropolymers using 8 cavity, high volume molds with hot runner systems to produce thin-walled intricate parts.

The purpose behind the new look and feel of the Performance Plastics website is to provide innovative resources and information to clients. The website provides information and news that illustrate that Performance Plastics is at the forefront of industry trends and technology.

The new website features a comprehensive ecommerce portal for our EnduroSharp® patented line of Torlon® Aircraft maintenance tools.  The ecommerce application features a convenient user-friendly shopping experience which includes 24/7 service, order tracking, order history with reorder functionality.

“This new website for Performance Plastics properly aligns with our company vision for growth and expansion in the future.” – Rich Reed, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Performance Plastics.

Performance Plastics is a custom precision injection molder of high performance, tight tolerance thermoplastic components. We specialize in geometrically complex precision parts that consist of chemically inert materials.

 

https://www.prweb.com/releases/performance_plastics_announces_new_website_launch/prweb17956424.htm

 

 

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Performance Plastics – Experts in Molding High Performance Plastics – Torlon®

May 12, 2021  |  , , , , , ,

Performance Plastics specializes in precision injection molding of high-performance plastics. Our precise production process gives us the ability to injection mold difficult polymers, producing high quality thermoplastic products.

High performance plastic materials, such as PAI (Polyamidimide) Torlon®, possess ideal properties when it comes to molding for strength and durability. Recognized as one of the highest performing thermoplastic materials, Torlon® exhibits greater compressive strength and impact resistance than other high-performance plastics. Torlon’s high creep resistance and extremely low coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) provides excellent thermal stability. This provides for creating manufactured parts that exhibit high levels of tensile strength, friction wear, compression strength, and rigidity, ensuring exceptional mechanical loading capabilities up to 525°F (275°C).

At Performance Plastics, we are experts in injection molding, specializing in high performance plastics. High performance plastics, such as Torlon®, can be extremely difficult to injection mold due to the polymers unique structure. Torlon® is a reactive polymer, which can cause complications during the injection molding process. A specific set of conditions, equipment, and processing procedures must be followed to effectively injection mold Torlon®. Our proprietary tool design software, processes and equipment enables us to injection mold components having complex geometries made from challenging ultra, high-performance thermoplastic materials and reinforced compounds.

We utilize a unique combination of extensive material knowledge, mold flow analysis, a design system and process expertise to eliminate or minimize the need for secondary operations. Our expertise in process control allows us to effectively injection mold Torlon® in parts with extremely tight tolerances. This gives us the ability to provide you with an injection molded part made from the highest strength and stiffness of any commercial thermoplastic.

Torlon® is one of the many high performance polymers Performance Plastics offers.  For more information on Performance Plastic’s capabilities, please contact Rich Reed, our Vice President of Sales and Marketing at 513.321.8404 or email at [email protected].

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Product Spotlight – EnduroSharp Torlon Gap Blade & Holder Kit (Part 2)

May 5, 2021  |  , ,

EnduroSharp® has changed the way aerospace maintenance professionals remove sealants and adhesives from substrates and fasteners. EnduroSharp® tools are made from Torlon®, a high strength polymer, creating a non-metallic gap blade tool that will not damage composite structures during use. The EnduroSharp® lineup consists of a variety of scraper blades, gap blades, reamers, cutters, bits, and discs for removal of adhesives on aircrafts. The product line includes a variety of kits containing all the parts and sizes.

Gap blades are designed for use in smaller spaces where scraper blades are too large.  With a multi head edge, they are a quick, safe and effective method of removing gap materials, sealants and adhesives from composite structures.

The EnduroSharp® Gap Blade & Holder Kit is one of the most popular kits offered.

This Kit contains:

15 EnduroSharp® Torlon® Gap Blades – 1 each of EnduroSharp® part numbers:

TGB-75-75, TGB-75-16, TGB-75-25, TGB-10-75, TGB-10-16, TGB-10-25, TGB-12-75, TGB-12-16, TGB-12-25, TGB-17-75, TGB-17-16, TGB-17-25, TGB-23-75, TGB-23-16, and TGB-23-25), 1 each, “Pocket” Scraper Blade Holder (Part Number: ESSBH002), and 1 each, Standard Scraper Blade Holder (Part Number: ESHH003).  The blades slide and lock into the detent pin of the standard gap holder handle, to easily alternate between the sizes as needed.

The EnduroSharp® Gap & Holder kit is just one of the many kits offered in the EnduroSharp® Product line. Contact Rich Reed for our Vice President of Sales and Marketing, at (513) 321-8404 or [email protected], more information on our EnduroSharp® kits and products

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Come See Our New EnduroSharp(R) Products at MRO Americas 2021

April 21, 2021  |  

Come See Our New EnduroSharp(R) ABNIR “Fly Away” Compact Surface Prep Kit at MRO Americas

Performance Plastics – Booth 606
MRO Americas – Orlando FL – April 27th thru April 29th

EnduroSharp(R) has changed the way aerospace maintenance professionals remove sealants and adhesives from substrates and fasteners.

EnduroSharp® tools are made from Torlon®, a high strength polymer, creating non-metallic tools that will not damage composite structures during use.

The new, ABNIR “Fly Away” Compact Surface Prep Kit features a selection of commonly used tools with an improved design. Featuring a smaller, compact case, it is easier to store and is an efficient tool kit for aircraft maintenance. The tools are ideal to remove adhesives, sealants and coatings from aircraft structures.

The patented EnduroSharp® lineup consists of a variety of scraper blades, gap blades, reamers, cutter, bits, and discs for removal of substances on aircraft, windmill blades, boat/marine and automotive.

Performance Plastics is a custom precision injection molder of high performance, tight tolerance thermoplastic components. We specialize in geometrically complex precision parts that consist of chemically inert materials. Our expertise led to the development of our patented EnduroSharp® line of Aircraft Maintenance Tools.

For more information on the Enhanced EnduroSharp® Pocket Handle, or any of our EnduroSharp® product line, please contact Rich Reed at [email protected] or our website at www.performanceplastics.com.

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Overview of EnduroSharp™ Nonmetallic (Torlon®) Aircraft Maintenance Tools Presentation

April 13, 2021  |  , , ,
  • New Torlon(R) Nonmetallic Tools
  • Under contract with the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Materials
    Integrity Branch (AFRL/RXSA), the University of Dayton Research
    Institute (UDRI) developed improved material removal tools & accessories
  • Transitioning developed tools to multiple weapons systems for material
    removal applications on composite components
  • Injection molded from Torlon® 5030 – Solvay’s polyamide-imide (PAI) resin
    30% glass reinforced plastic
  • Commercially available from Performance Plastics (Cincinnati, OH)
    • EnduroSharp™ trade name

Overview-of-EnduroSharp™-Nonmetallic-Torlon®-Aircraft-Maintenance-Tools-Presentation

 

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EnduroSharp(R) Nonmetallic (Torlon)(R) Aircraft Maintenance Tools Abstract

April 13, 2021  |  , , ,

The lack of reliable and effective nonmetallic material removal tools available to maintainers
drives the continued use of unapproved tools and/or methods when removing materials from
aerospace vehicles. The use of metallic tools has resulted in damage to vehicles, both short term
and long term, causing the need for expensive repairs and reduction in vehicle availability.
The University of Dayton Research Institute under contract to the Air Force Research Laboratory
has developed and commercialized a series of nonmetallic material removal tools under the
“EnduroSharp” trademark manufactured from glass-filled Torlon thermoplastic produced by
Solvay Engineered Plastics. The use of this material coupled with the tools’ designs is
responsible for their superior stiffness and durability (resistance to chemicals and heat) and
enhance the tools’ ability to maintain sharp cutting edges, allowing efficient removal of coatings,
boots, tapes, sealants, gap fillers and caulking materials, pressure , sensitive adhesive (PSA), and
tape residue without damaging underlying composite surfaces.

EnduroSharp™-Nonmetallic-Torlon®-Aircraft-Maintenance-Tools-Abstract

 

 

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Removal and Replacement of Failed Bonded Nutplates Presentation

April 13, 2021  |  , , ,

Nutplates fail for a variety of reasons

  • Poor surface prep
  • Wrong grip length fastener (too long) when engaged pushing nutplate off structure
  • Fastener locked up in nut element (i.e. not turning) due to excessive heat from fastener during installation
  • Improper fastener torque sequencing for panel installation

Following aircraft specific T.O. – takes from 24 to 72 hours to effect a repair

Removal-and-Replacement-of-Failed-Bonded-Nutplates-Presentation

 

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Removal and Replacement of Failed Bonded Nutplates Utilizing Nonmetallic Torlon® Adhesive Cutters Whitepaper

April 13, 2021  |  , , ,

The lack of reliable and effective nonmetallic material removal tools available to maintainers
drives the continued use of unapproved tools and/or methods when removing materials from
aerospace vehicles. The use of metallic tools has resulted in damage to vehicles, both short term
and long term, causing the need for expensive repairs and reduction in vehicle availability.
The University of Dayton Research Institute under contract to the Air Force Research Laboratory
has developed and commercialized a series of nonmetallic material removal tools under the
“EnduroSharp” trademark manufactured from glass-filled Torlon thermoplastic produced by
Solvay Engineered Plastics. The use of this material coupled with the tools’ designs is
responsible for their superior stiffness and durability (resistance to chemicals and heat) and
enhance the tools’ ability to maintain sharp cutting edges, allowing efficient removal of coatings,
boots, tapes, sealants, gap fillers and caulking materials, pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), and

tape residue without damaging underlying composite surfaces.

 

EnduroSharp™-Nonmetallic-Torlon®-Aircraft-Maintenance-Tools-Abstract

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