Let Pexco Solve Your Most Difficult Challenges

July 11, 2024  |  , , ,

Pexco.locations

At Pexco, our strength lies in our solution diversity.  From custom solutions to solving specific engineering challenges, our expertise guarantees outstanding results. From inspiration to application, Pexco has been helping our customers bring ideas to life for nearly half a century.

Pexco embrases the value of working together as One Pexco. This philosphy drives business-level product innovation, location efficiencies, client responsiveness and helps us attract talent. We are able to take advantage of the economies of scale, scope and skill while creating strong accountability and ownership, by pushing decision making down as close to the customer as possible.

Pexco places great value on firm-wide coordination in decision-making, cooperative teamwork and institutional committment. We have one way of doing things and utilize cross-facility teams to address client innovation.

Pexco’s multiple specialty manufacturing facilities across North America help control costs and provide the flexibility needed for fast and efficient product delivery.  And with 13 locations nationwide, we can meet most of your market’s product needs, On-time and on budget:

  • Asheboro, NC   
  • Athol, CT
  • Atlanta, GA – Headquarters
  • Bristol, CT
  • Cincinnati, OH
  • Grand Falls, NB, CA
  • Monterey, MX
  • Philadelphia, PA
  • Plastow, NH
  • Ravena, OH
  • Sparta, NJ
  • Tacoma, WA
  • Wallingford, CT

Pexco specializes in manufacturing extruded, injection, and compression molded plastic parts.  We leverage years of expertise to bring your product to market – on-time and on-budget.

For more information on One Pexco and how we can help you with your project, please contact Rich Reed, Vice President of Sales – Custom, at [email protected] or visit our website at www.pexco.com.

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Pexco LLC Acquires Connecticut Plastics in Wallingford CT

June 13, 2024  |  , , ,

JOHNS CREEK, GA (June 5, 2024) – Pexco LLC, a leading North American specialty plastics processor, is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Wallingford, CT facility of Clayens. The Wallingford site, known for its dedicated high-performance plastic CNC Machining, Milling, Multi-axis Turning, Swiss Machining, Annealing, Vapor Polishing, and Assembly, significantly enhances Pexco’s value added and manufacturing capabilities. The site is ISO 9001-2015 as well as ISO 13485-2016. This acquisition will bolster Pexco’s services in key industries such as Aerospace & Defense, Electric & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Industry & Equipment, and Semiconductor.

 

Pexco CEO Sam Patel stated, “We are thrilled to welcome the Wallingford team to the Pexco family. This acquisition aligns perfectly with Pexco’s strategic growth plan. The Wallingford facility’s advanced machining capabilities and its expertise in critical industries will enhance our ability to meet and even exceed customer requirements. We look forward to integrating the talents and capabilities of the Wallingford team into the Pexco team.”

 

Mike Kane, General Manager at Wallingford, added, “Joining Pexco presents an exciting opportunity for us to leverage Pexco’s scale, reputation, and engineering expertise. We are eager to contribute to Pexco’s broad array of services and solutions, and to expand the reach of our precision machining capabilities across more industries and geographies.”

 

The Wallingford facility was started in 1980 as Connecticut Plastics and was acquired in 2023 by Clayens, a company that was founded in Lyons, France in 1931. It now joins Pexco as part of Pexco’s strategic expansion, marking the addition as Pexco’s 13th location.

 

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, aerospace, life science, traffic safety, lighting, fence, and electrical insulation industries. Pexco offers a full range of custom design, engineering, and fabrication services, with ISO 9001:2015 registration across its manufacturing operations. For more information, visit www.pexco.com or call (770) 872-8013.

 

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.

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Plastics Make the Modern-Day Semiconductor Possible

February 1, 2024  |  , , ,

Precision and purity are vital to semiconductor production.  Plastics assist in maintaining the standards necessary in production, ensuring that less time and resources are spent and that the items function properly.

Unlike traditional materials like metal or ceramic, plastics such as FEP, PEEK, and PTFE are more impermeable to corrosive acids, which are key to the production of microchips.

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 the highest demands are placed on thermal or chemical resistance or product mechanics.

Microchips are primarily made from semiconducting materials such as silicon, not plastics. Silicon wafers undergo a complex series of processes including photolithography, etching, doping, and layering to create the intricate circuitry that forms the basis of microchips.

However, plastics do play a role in certain aspects of microchip manufacturing, and Performance Plastics, A Pexco Company, produces many of the necessary components.

  1. Components: Resins are used in various components used to manufacture microchips. This includes components of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, such as chambers, tubing, and fittings, which often utilize specialized plastic materials resistant to high temperatures and chemicals.
  2. Cleanroom Materials: In semiconductor fabrication facilities or cleanrooms, where microchips are produced, stringent cleanliness standards must be maintained to prevent contamination of the delicate semiconductor materials. Plastics are used extensively in cleanroom construction and furnishings due to their ease of cleaning, resistance to chemicals, and ability to meet cleanliness requirements.
  3. Chemical Handling: During the fabrication process, various chemicals are used for etching, doping, and cleaning semiconductor wafers. Plastics are often used for the storage, transport, and handling of these chemicals due to their chemical inertness and resistance to corrosion.
  4. Consumables: Plastics are used in the production of consumable items such as gloves, face masks, and packaging materials used in the handling and transportation of microchips and semiconductor wafers within the fabrication facility.

Overall, while plastics may not be directly visible in the final product of a microchip, they are indispensable in various stages of the microchip manufacturing process, contributing to its efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

For more information on high-performance plastics such as FEP, PEEK, and/or PTFE, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Rich Reed, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at [email protected], or visit our website at www.performance plastics.com

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Materials used Aircraft Maintenance Scrapper Blades

January 18, 2024  |  , , ,

 

Aircraft Maintenance Professionals are always looking for better and more efficient ways to complete their tasks.  Sometimes, in an effort to complete their tasks faster, they use items that were not designed for use in removal and damage to the underlying surfaces.

While there are currently many scraper blades on the market that are designed for adhesive removal, , not all materials are created equal.  Most of the blades currently on the market are made of three materials:  ABS, Phenolic, and Torlon.

 

ABS

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene is a very tough, very durable thermoplastic used in a wide variety of applications. ABS is a common choice among other plastic production materials because of its durability, structural stability, and good corrosion, impact, chemical, and wear resistance.

ABS plastic is made when acrylonitrile and polystyrene monomers are polymerized with butadiene rubber to create acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). This blending is typically accomplished using an emulsification process, wherein materials that would otherwise not mix are formulated into a cohesive single product (think milk, where fats, oil, and water do not separate out of solution but exist as a homogenous mixture)

Phenolic

Phenolic is a laminated plastic used in a variety of custom plastic components due to its high strength, resistance to solvents, dielectric strength, and many other features.

Phenolics are manufactured by impregnating layers of material with a phenolic resin, and then applying heat and pressure, which transforms these layers into a solid mass. The result is a thermoset that is dense, dimensionally stable, structurally strong, has low creep, and is an excellent insulator.

Torlon

 

 

Torlon® is a high-strength, high-performance, melt-processable plastic material. It’s ability to perform under severe stress combined with its resistance to elevated temperatures makes it ideal for various applications across many industries.  Torlon (PAI) is recognized as being the highest-performing plastic that is melt-processable.

Polyamide-imides (PAIs) are thermoplastic amorphous polymers prepared by the condensation of an aromatic diamine, such as methylene diamine, and an anhydride, such as trimellitic acid chloride. PAIs have good mechanical, thermal, and chemical resistance, high strength, melt processability, and high heat capacity.

So, ABS is blended thermoplastic, Phenolic is impregnated plastic, and Torlon is a heat-treated, condensed thermoset.  Condensed thermoset materials are stronger, more resilient, and exhibit consistent performance without the risk of damaging the surfaces.

EnduroSharp® Torlon® aircraft maintenance tools were specifically designed by Performance Plastics, the Airforce Research Laboratory (ARL), and the University of Dayton Research Institute at Wright Patterson Air Force Base to safely and efficiently remove adhesives, sealants, and coatings while maintaining an effective edge and not damaging the underlying substrates.

For more information on Torlon® and/or EnduroSharp Torlon® Aircraft Maintenance Tools, please contact Aileen Crass, Product Marketing Manager at [email protected], or visit our website at www.performanceplastics.com/endurosharp.

 

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High-Performance Polymers for Medical Devices

October 12, 2023  |  , , ,
Thermoplastic injection molded PEEK Medical Tool

Thermoplastic Injection Molded PEEK Medical Device

High-performance polymers have gained significant attention in the field of medical devices due to their unique properties and advantages. These materials offer a compelling alternative to traditional materials like metals and ceramics in various medical applications. Here are some reasons why high-performance polymers are a great alternative for medical devices:

  1. Biocompatibility: High-performance polymers, such as PEEK, FEP, PFA, and PPSU, are inherently biocompatible. They do not trigger adverse immune responses or toxicity when in contact with biological tissues, making them suitable for implants and other medical devices that interact with the human body.
  2. Lightweight: Polymers are generally lighter than metals, making them ideal for applications where weight reduction is critical, such as orthopedic implants and prosthetics. Lighter devices can improve patient comfort and reduce the risk of complications.
  3. Corrosion Resistance: High-performance polymers are highly resistant to corrosion and chemical degradation. This property is advantageous in medical devices that come into contact with bodily fluids and other aggressive environments. Unlike metals, they do not rust or corrode.
  4. Radiolucency: Some polymers, like PEEK, are radiolucent, meaning they do not block X-rays or other imaging techniques. This feature allows for clear and accurate imaging of the surrounding tissue and device placement without interference.
  5. Customizability: Polymers can be easily molded and machined into complex shapes, which is crucial for designing patient-specific implants and devices. This customizability can improve the fit and function of medical devices.
  6. Low Friction and Wear Resistance: Polymers can offer low friction and wear characteristics, making them suitable for articulating joints and moving parts in medical devices. This reduces the risk of device failure and the need for frequent replacements.
  7. Electrical Insulation: High-performance polymers are electrical insulators, which is essential in devices like pacemakers and neurostimulators to prevent unwanted electrical interference with surrounding tissues.
  8. Thermal Stability: Many high-performance polymers exhibit excellent thermal stability, allowing them to withstand sterilization processes such as autoclaving without degradation.
  9. Cost-Effective: Compared to some specialty metals and ceramics, high-performance polymers can be more cost-effective, making medical devices more affordable for healthcare providers and patients.
  10. Regulatory Approval: Several high-performance polymers have received regulatory approval for use in medical devices, indicating their safety and suitability for these applications.

Despite their numerous advantages, high-performance polymers also have limitations, including lower strength and stiffness compared to some metals and ceramics. Therefore, their selection for specific medical device applications should consider the specific requirements and constraints of the device.

In conclusion, high-performance polymers offer a compelling alternative for medical devices due to their biocompatibility, lightweight nature, corrosion resistance, customizability, and other favorable properties. As materials science continues to advance, it is likely that high-performance polymers will play an increasingly significant role in the development of innovative medical devices.

For more information on polymers for medical devices and how Performance Plastics leverages their use, please contact Rich Reed, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at [email protected].

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Performance Plastics – Resin Compounds in Aerospace Applications

August 24, 2023  |  ,

Resin compounds play a crucial role in various aerospace applications due to their lightweight, high-strength, and durable properties. They are commonly used in the aerospace industry for manufacturing components such as aircraft structures, interior components, propulsion systems, and more. Here are some key points about the use of resin compounds in aerospace applications:

  1. Composite Materials: Resin compounds are often used as matrix materials in composite structures. Composite materials are made by combining reinforcing fibers (such as carbon fibers, glass fibers, or aramid fibers) with a resin matrix. These materials provide a high strength-to-weight ratio, making them ideal for aerospace applications where weight savings are critical.
  2. Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP): In addition to carbon fibers, other types of fibers like glass and aramid are used in aerospace composites. Glass fiber reinforced polymers (GFRP) are used in applications that require good corrosion resistance, while aramid fiber reinforced polymers (AFRP) are known for their impact resistance.
  3. Thermosetting Resins: Epoxy resins are one of the most commonly used thermosetting resins in aerospace applications due to their excellent mechanical properties, high heat resistance, and low shrinkage during curing. They are often chosen for critical structural components.
  4. Thermoplastic Resins: Thermoplastic composites are gaining popularity in aerospace due to their improved impact resistance, damage tolerance, and recyclability. They can be reheated and reformed, allowing for potential repairs or reshaping of components.
  5. Adhesives and Bonding: Resin-based adhesives are used for bonding various components in aerospace manufacturing, including joining composite panels, attaching metal components, and creating strong bonds between dissimilar materials.
  6. Fire Resistance: Fire-resistant resins are essential for aerospace applications to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. Fire-resistant resins are often used in interior components, like cabin walls and flooring, to meet stringent safety standards.
  7. Repair and Maintenance: Resin-based materials are also used for repairing and maintaining aircraft and spacecraft structures. Composite repair patches and epoxy-based sealants can extend the life of aerospace components.
  8. Design Flexibility: Resin compounds offer design flexibility, allowing engineers to create complex shapes and optimized structures that might not be achievable with traditional materials.

It’s worth noting that the aerospace industry has stringent regulations and standards for the use of materials in aircraft and spacecraft. The choice of resin compound and its application must meet these requirements to ensure safety, reliability, and performance in various aerospace environments.

For more information on resin compounds and their uses in Aerospace Manufacturing, please contact Rich Reed, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at [email protected], or visit our website at www.performanceplastics.com.

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Performance Plastics – USP Class VI Medical Compliance

June 29, 2023  |  , ,

In order to ensure the safety of medical devices, USP Class VI testing is required.  Developed by the United States Pharmacopeia, the Class VI test is a specific test conducted on medical devices to assess their biocompatibility.  It is designed to evaluate the potential adverse biological effects of the materials used in a medical device when they come into contact with living tissues or bodily fluids. Performance Plastics is proud to announce we have passed the test – we now offer material and process expertise.

The USP Class VI test is particularly important for medical devices that directly or indirectly interact with the human body, such as implants, surgical instruments, catheters, and tubing. The test helps to ensure that these devices are safe and do not cause harmful reactions or toxicity when used in clinical settings.

Here are a few key reasons why the USP Class VI test is conducted on medical devices:

  1. Patient Safety: The primary objective of the USP Class VI test is to ensure patient safety. By assessing the biocompatibility of the materials used in medical devices, it helps identify any potential risks or adverse reactions that may occur when the device is used in the human body.
  2. Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with regulatory standards is a crucial aspect of the medical device industry. Many regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), require medical device manufacturers to demonstrate the biocompatibility of their products. Conducting the USP Class VI test helps meet these regulatory requirements.
  3. Material Selection: The USP Class VI test aids in material selection for medical devices. It helps manufacturers evaluate different materials and determine which ones are the most suitable in terms of biocompatibility. This allows them to make informed decisions about the materials used in their devices, minimizing the risk of adverse reactions.
  4. Product Development and Improvement: The test is also valuable during the product development and improvement stages. By identifying any potential biocompatibility issues early on, manufacturers can modify or optimize their device design or materials to enhance safety and efficacy.
  5. Industry Standard: The USP guidelines are widely recognized and accepted within the medical device industry. Conducting the USP Class VI test demonstrates a commitment to quality and safety, providing confidence to healthcare professionals, regulatory bodies, and end-users.

It’s worth noting that the USP Class VI test is just one of several tests and evaluations conducted to assess the biocompatibility of medical devices. Other tests, such as cytotoxicity, sensitization, and irritation tests, may also be performed depending on the specific device and its intended use.

For more information on Class VI testing and how Performance Plastics can assist in certifying your medical device, please contact Rich Reed, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at [email protected], or visit our website at www.performanceplastics.com.

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Peek use in Semi-Conductor Applications – Wafer Manufacturing

February 7, 2023  |  , , ,

 

PEEK is short for polyether ether ketone. These polymers are notable for their phenylene rings and oxygen bridges, which result in resilience, durability, and strength.

Wafer manufacturing is a term used to describe the process of creating chips, otherwise known as integrated circuits, which are used in everyday devices.  You will find chips in everything from cars to military jets.  PEEK is great for semiconductor applications because of its outstanding combination of physical properties.

  • Longer Lifetime – CMP (chemical-mechanical positioning) rings made with PEEK can provide less downtime, and more throughput with up 2x wear resistance compared to other materials.
  • Potential Yield Enhancement – Low particle generation and higher purity, resulting in lower outgassing and extractives that may lead to yield improvements
  • Faster Process – PEEK endures proceseess with up to 260° and harsh chemicals, which allos for faster processing and less cooling time.

Semiconductor equipment manufacturers use PEEK screws and fasteners in wet benches. Chip manufacturers use hydrofluoric acid which is a corrosive chemical that can damage metals. Since PEEK is chemical-resistant, chip manufacturers are utilizing PEEK screws. These screws are used in the production of ICU’s since they are a high-purity material and possess low-outgas properties. PEEK is also used to manufacture manifolds for semiconductor production equipment.

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

 

https://youtu.be/XRmbryDk6WQ

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EnduroSharp® offers a sustainable approach to Aircraft Maintenance

December 13, 2022  |  ,

Sustainable aviation maintenance is a multi-disciplinary objective that seeks solutions to improve the environmental and societal impacts of air transportation.

Maintenance activities have environmental impacts including the production of waste and disposal of end-of-life parts. According to aviation experts, aircraft maintenance is of significant environmental impact and cannot be neglected. Corporate responsibility forces aircraft manufacturers and maintainers to take into account these impacts and develop some solutions to minimize the environmental impacts of the maintenance phase.

Maintenance professionals highlight the importance of safety and reliability in developing maintenance tasks and cycles. Manufacturers need to source efficient and practical solutions to meet the requirements of safety and reliability. But at the same time, the need to minimize life cycle costs while preventing or limiting harmful impacts to the environment. This goal can be achieved by defining objectives including making longer-life parts, utilizing reusable tools, and limiting harmful impacts on the environment during maintenance.

EnduroSharp® is a line of products used to repair and maintain aircraft structures that are reusable and resharpenable. The product line consists of non-metallic material removal tools that will not damage aircraft during the process of removing sealants, adhesives, and coatings. The EnduroSharp® nonmarring aircraft maintenance tools are made from Torlon®, a high-performance plastic that creates a durable tool that will hold a superior edge. Creating an effective tool for aircraft maintainers, that will not damage aircraft structures, like aluminum and composite allows your aircraft structures to last longer.

For more information on our EnduroSharp® Product Line contact Rich Reed, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, at (513) 321-8404 or [email protected].

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Fluoropolymers may be the solution to the Medical Glass Shortage

November 10, 2022  |  , , , ,

The shortage of glass has been an ongoing issue. Experts say the price of glass is on the rise as global supply chain issues continue throughout the world.  The glass shortage affects all industries that rely on glass for their containers, but right now, with the convergence of annual flu, the emergence of new COVID variants (Omicron), and the outbreak of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV) in children, the medical field is in dire need of glass for vials.

Silicon, which is one of the materials that is used in glass manufacturing has been in short supply for over a year.  Medical vials are made of Type I borosilicate glass, and this form uses the most silicon. The decreases in the recycling rates during the pandemic, are additionally hurting the production of glass vials.

Fluoropolymers such as FEP, PFA, and PCTFE are great alternative materials for glass. These fluoropolymers are superior to conventional plastics. Their inert, non-reactive, and unmatched durability makes their properties ideal for use in the medical industry. These fluoropolymers are also non-stick, ensuring the product does not adsorb to surfaces. They are also virtually impervious to chemical, enzyme, and microbiological attacks. All the benefits of FEP, PFA, and PCTFE make these fluoropolymers a perfect material to create vials out of, especially since they are injection moldable.

At Performance Plastics, we have extensive experience in injection molding fluoropolymers. We have developed proprietary tooling and processes enabling the injection molding of small, thin-walled, complex parts. Our expertise in fluoropolymers and injection molding can be the solution to the shortage of glass.

For more information on how to use fluoropolymers as your glass shortage solution contact Rich Reed, our Vice President of Sales and Marketing, at (513) 321-8404 or [email protected].

 

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