Pexco LLC continues expansion with acquisition of Performance Plastics

September 20, 2022  |  ,

JOHNS CREEK, GA (September 15, 2022) – Pexco LLC, a leading North American specialty plastics manufacturer, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Performance Plastics Ltd. Located in Cincinnati, OH, and founded in 1982, Performance Plastics is a precision injection molder of high performance, tight tolerance components for the most demanding applications within industries such as aerospace, defense, medical & life science, and precision industrial.

Pexco CEO Sam Patel stated, “We are excited to welcome Performance Plastics to the Pexco family of companies. Performance Plastics has an outstanding reputation in the market and is recognized as a leader in the production of thermoplastic parts that are geometrically complex and with tight tolerances. There are few manufacturers who can help customers meet these standards – Performance Plastics’ high performance polymer knowledge and expertise are powerful differentiators.”

Chris Lawson COO of Performance Plastics added, “We are thrilled to bring our expertise to the Pexco family. Our focus on engineering quality and strong work ethic are a great cultural fit, and we look forward to collaborating with the fluoropolymer and other high performance polymer experts under the Pexco umbrella”

About Pexco LLC

Based in Atlanta, with multiple plants across North America, Pexco is a leader in the design and fabrication of engineered plastic components. It provides standard and specialty parts and components to manufacturers and end users for a broad range of custom applications, including the specialty industrial, fluid handling, lighting, traffic safety, fence, and electrical insulation industries. Pexco offers a full range of custom design, engineering, and fabrication services, including ISO 9001:2015 registration, across its manufacturing operations. For more information, visit www.pexco.com or call (770) 343-4590.

About Performance Plastics Ltd.

Performance Plastics is a custom injection molder of high performance polymer parts. Based in Cincinnati, OH and founded in 1982, Performance Plastics specializes in tight tolerance thermoplastic components for demanding applications. The company is renowned for its fluoropolymer, Torlon, PEEK and Ultem expertise, proprietary manufacturing processes and exceptional engineering support.

About Odyssey Investment Partners

Odyssey Investment Partners, with offices in New York and Los Angeles, is a leading private equity investment firm with a more than 25-year history of partnering with skilled managers to transform middle-market companies into more efficient and diversified businesses with strong growth profiles. Odyssey makes majority-controlled investments in industries with a long-term positive outlook and favorable secular trends. For further information about Odyssey, please visit www.odysseyinvestment.com.

 

/by

Why Machine when you can Injection Mold

September 13, 2022  |  , , , , ,

Performance Plastics specializes in the precision injection molding of technically complicated parts in advanced materials, eliminating the need to machine.

High performance plastic materials offer ideal properties when it comes to durability. Resins like polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE/Teflon®) are known for their dielectric strength, low dissipation, chemical resistance, outstanding performance at elevated temperatures, and levels of coefficient friction. However, these unique properties can make molding some fluoropolymers quite difficult. Performance Plastics has found a way to offer the benefits of these materials by injection molding alternate fluoropolymers such as FEP and PFA.

At Performance Plastics, we are experts at precision injection molding. We have developed proprietary tool design software, processes and equipment enabling us to injection mold components having complex geometries made from challenging high-performance thermoplastic materials (PFA/FEP/PEEK®/PTFE) and highly loaded 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.

Switching from machining parts to injection molding parts can be very beneficial. Not only does injection molding help lower costs, but it also allows for highly efficient production, complexity in part design, and enhanced part strength. Injection molding produces uniformity, the ability to make millions of virtually identical parts.

Injection molding isn’t for every project, but it can be cost beneficial for applications producing more than 10,000 pieces of the same part year over year. At Performance Plastics, we serve a variety of industries, from medical & life science, aerospace & defense to diversified industrial.

To learn about how precision injection molding can replace machined parts, contact Rich Reed, our Vice President of Sales and Marketing, at (513) 321-8404 or [email protected].

/by

Performance Plastics featured in Manufacturing in Focus Magazine

September 7, 2022  |  , , , ,

Celebrating a Milestone with New Products & Big Goals

Performance Plastics Ltd. of Cincinnati, Ohio marked its fortieth anniversary this year as a leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance thermoplastic conponents.  The company works with specialized polymers and tight tolerances, and follows rigorous quality assurance protocols.  It anticipates big growth shortly, based on its wealth of experience and cutting edge products such as EnduroSharp(R) aerospace maintenace tools.

To continue reading: https://mags.manufacturinginfocus.com/mag/MIFSep2022/#page=22

 

 

/by

FEP Uses in Semiconductor Manufacturing

September 6, 2022  |  , , ,

Fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) is a copolymer of hexafluoropropylene and tetrafluoro ethylene that is chemically resistant, electrically stable, insulating and possesses useful low shielding properties.  It is easily formable and was developed as a melt processable material.

Semiconductors are the brains of electronics, enabling advances in countless applications and emerging technologies. The application of semiconductor devices can be found in almost every technology today, ranging from cars, phones, computers and much more. The manufacturing of semiconductors and semi-conductor related products require reliable, high purity materials that can survive harsh operating conditions.  The correct solution can increase production efficiency, reduce power requirements and increase process reliability.

FEP coatings are well suited for applications in the semiconductor industry where they are used in the manufacture of wafer carriers, sensors, seals, fittings and pump parts which are optimal for transporting high-purity chemicals in semiconductor manufacturing.

Key Material Properties for Semiconductor Applications

  • Reliable mechanical performance
  • Low levels of total organic carbon
  • High performance in pure deionized water
  • Low permeation rates
  • Resistance to both dry and wet process

For more information on FEP uses in Semiconductor manufacturing, please contact Rich Reed, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at 513.321.8404 or [email protected]

/by

Get to Know Performance Plastics

September 1, 2022  |  , ,

You know Performance Plastics for our EnduroSharp® Non-marring Aircraft Maintenance Tool, but did you know that Performance Plastic is also an expert in tight tolerance custom injection molding?

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, PEEK, ULTEM, and Torlon.

With the ability to injection mold shot sizes as small as .015 grams with a wall thickness 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].

 

 

/by

Types of Plastics used in the Semiconductor Industry

August 23, 2022  |  , , , ,

Precision and purity are key in the semiconductor industry.  Plastics help maintain high standards of precision and purity during semiconductor production, ensuring that less time and resources are wasted and that electronics function properly.

Since plastics are typically insulators, they may seem an unlikely material for use in semiconductor / electrical applications. However, in recent years, the composition of some plastic materials has been adapted to make these plastic materials behave as conductors or semi-conductors as opposed to insulators.

The semiconductor industry requires components that are manufactured from materials having a combination of heat resistance, conductivity, insulating, and shielding properties. All these properties are exhibited by high performance plastics. They are ideal materials with which to produce end products, as well as parts in the processing equipment used to manufacture semiconductors.

High performance plastics such as Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP), Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK), and Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), are characterized by their exceptional properties in different areas. High performance plastics are largely used where highest demands are placed on thermal or chemical resistance or product mechanics.

  • FEP – Fluorinatedethylenepropylene is a copolymer of hexafluoropropylene and   tetrafluoroetheylene;   boosts chemical resistance and useful low friction properties, and is  easily formable.  FEP is soft, slightly flexible, possesses a lower melting point of 260°C and is highly transparent and resistant to sunlight.  It is vastly superior in some coating applications involving exposure to detergents.

 

  • PEEK – Poly Ether Ketone  is a semicrystalline thermoplastic with exceptional high temperature performance, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance. It is capable of maintaining its stiffness at high temperatures and is suitable for continuous use up to 260°C (480°F). In addition, PEEK does not undergo hydrolysis and can be used for significantly long periods of time in areas where steam or water is common.

 

  • PTFE – Polytetrafluoroethylene is a tough, flexible, non-resilient material of average tensile strength with great thermal properties and excellent resistance to chemicals and passage of electric current. The coefficient of friction is unusually low and believed to be lower than any other solids. PTFE is an outstanding insulator over a wide range of temperatures and frequency.

Performance Plastics are specialists in high performance plastics engineering for the semiconductor industry. We partner with our customers to offer solutions to some of the most challenging applications.  For more information, please contact Rich Reed, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at 513.321.8404 or email [email protected].

/by

PEEK® Use in Medical Applications

August 16, 2022  |  , , ,
Thermoplastic medical spinal implant component, precision thermoplastic medical check valve, non-contaminating Thermoplastic medical valve component, precision thermoplasticmedical spinal implant component, non-contaminating medical spinal implant component

High Precision, PEEK, Thermoplastic Medical Spinal Implant Component

PEEK® is an organic thermoplastic polymer that offers excellent mechanical and chemical resistance properties because of its chemical make-up.  PEEK® is short for polyether ether ketone, which means it’s a member of the polyaryletherketone family. These polymers are notable for their phenylene rings and oxygen bridges, which result in resilience, durability and strength.

PEEK® is great for medical applications because it is one of the few high-performance polymers that is a bio-material – it is highly resistant to radiation which allows for easy sterilization.

  • Biocompatibility – PEEK® is a proven biomaterial, which means it is considered safe for use with in vivo applications. PEEK® shows no signs of cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, or immunogenetics.  The material has been successfully in use for over 20 years.
  • A favorable flexural modulus – Compared to metals such as titanium, stainless steel and other metal biomaterials, PEEK® is much more flexible. It behaves much more like bone in how it flexes and bears weight.  It does not cause stress shielding in nearby bone.
  • Pure radiolucency – PEEK® renders transparent on X-rays, CT and MRI scans – which makes it easy for surgical teams to track the positioning of implants and detect complications.

Many medical device manufacturers now use PEEK® as a way to improve the biocompatibility of load bearing implants.  PEEK® is increasingly becoming the new standard biomaterial across a range of medical, orthopedic, and dental applications.

Performance Plastics’ team of experienced engineers possess the expertise to design and manufacture technically challenging projects and offer complex solutions within the medical industry.

For more information on how Performance Plastics can assist in your material selection challenges, please contact Rich Reed, VP Sales & Marketing at 513.321.8404 or [email protected].

/by

The real cost of making an injection mold

August 9, 2022  |  , , , ,

When starting to produce a new product, it’s important to decide on the type of process you will use for the manufacturing process.  While injection molding is a very cost-effective process, the initial startup cost of the mold is often a barrier of entry.

Injection molding is a manufacturing process that is very efficient for producing parts in large volume.  It is typically used in the mass production process where the same part is being created in the thousands or even millions.

Upfront costs tend to be very high due to the design, testing, and tooling requirements.  If you are going to produce parts in high volumes, you want to make sure you get the design correct the first time. So, what are the costs associated with producing an injection mold?

  • Choice of Resin

One of the biggest factors that effect the price of the plastic injection molding process is the type of plastic resin used in manufacturing.  The choice of material will change the price based on color, compounding, and additives.  The most abrasive or corrosive the material, the most expensive the mold.

  • Complexity

The more intricate the component, the more difficult it is to design the manufacturing process.  Part complexity, tolerances, number of undercuts as well as surface finish all effect the cost.

  • Size

The size of the component also drives the price.  Larger parts require larger, more expensive molds, as well as more material to manufacture.  Larger molds also take longer to make, which increases the costs.

  • Mold Material

The material the mold is made from significantly impacts the price.  Short production molds are usually made from less expensive materials such as aluminum.  Long production molds require molds made from more durable and expensive materials like steel that will retain their features across several years.

  • Cavities

The higher the number of cavities – the higher the production costs.  Experienced mold designers can maximize cavitations to enhance productivity and lower costs even for the most intricate parts and components.

  • Mold Base

The base of the mold is the case used for holding all the components, inserts and cavities of the mold.  The price of the mold base depends on the type of steel and the size of the mold.

At Performance Plastics, we know how important it is to make the correct decisions when designing a mold.  We have a team of process experts who work with our clients to design and assist in the mold process. We focus on the total cost of ownership of a mold, production capacity, longevity, functionality, as well as initial capital expense.

To learn more about how Performance Plastics can help you with your molding process, contact Rich Reed, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, at (513) 321-8404 or [email protected].

/by

Meet our new Team Member – Lori Bragg – Senior Customer Service Coordinator

August 4, 2022  |  ,

Performance Plastics is pleased to announce the addition of our new Senior Customer Service Coordinator – Lori Bragg. Lori joins Performance Plastics with over 30 years’ experience, B.A. in Communications, and working with industry leading companies in Cincinnati, Ohio.

“Lori brings a wealth of experience in B2B manufacturing, inside sales, ERP processes, and customer service to our company” said Rich Reed, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, “The addition of Lori as a Senior Customer Service Coordinator is a representative of our continued commitment to provide our customers with the excellent customer service they have come to expect from PPL.  We are excited to have Lori join us and look forward to continued growth.”

Lori stated, “I look forward to helping Performance Plastics continue to meet our customers’ expectations by providing the highest level of service.”

Performance Plastics Ltd is a custom injection-molder of high-performance polymers for mission critical markets including Aerospace/Defense, Medical, and Precision Industrial.

 

/by

Injection Molded PFA for Semicon Meets F-57 Requirements

August 2, 2022  |  , , ,

At Performance Plastics, we hold the quality of our products to the highest standards. We know that quality is critical for our customers, so we go above and beyond to make sure our customers products are no less than ideal.

Manufacturing quality products is key to maintaining long term relationships with our customers. We take the time after injection molding a product to test the quality and to quantify compliance standards. This extra time assures that we are meeting all the specifications of our customers’ products.  To this end, we maintain SEMI F57 compliance for our customers PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy) and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) injection molded products.

SEMI F57 compliance is a specification for polymer materials and components used in ultrapure water and liquid chemical distribution systems. The SEMI F57 standard requires fluid-component manufacturers to follow best practices in material science and not contaminate UHP processes with extractable ions, metallics or total organic carbon (TOC). The standard also covers surface roughness, particle contribution, metallic contamination, and reliability testing.

SEMI F57 Standards ensure compliance as they identify permissible limits for seven different aqueous leachable anions: bromide, chloride, fluoride, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate and sulfate.  Additionally, the standards measure for elevated levels of total organic carbon (TOC) which can have negative effect on silicon oxidation.

In order to ensure that we maintain SEMI F57 compliance, we have added new, additional quality testing steps. The steps occur during the molding, cleaning, drying and packaging processes. These quality tests are crucial – they certify that each product injection molded by Performance Plastics follows the SEMI F57 standards and will not contaminate ultrapure water and liquid chemical distribution systems.

For more information on how Performance Plastics can help your injection molded PFA or PTFE product achieve SEMI F57 compliance, contact Rich Reed our Vice President of Sales and Marketing, at (513) 321-8404 or [email protected].

/by