Torlon (PAI) Polyamideimide for Medical Applications

December 7, 2021  |  , ,

Torlon (PAI) Polyamideimide is one of the highest performing, melt-processable thermoplastics.  Its compressive strength is double that of PEEK when unfiled, and about 40% higher than ULTEM PEI.  Torlon is frequently used in medical applications due to its high strength and resistance to deformation.  It’s wear resistance adds up to long product life for peristaltic pump rollers and bushings for prosthetics.

Parts manufactured from Torlon plastic will exhibit high levels of tensile and compression strength that ensure good mechanical capability. Additionally, Torlon material provides elevated levels of toughness and rigidity.

In its medical grades, Torlon (PAI) offer high modulus, radiolucency, sterilization-compatibility and high wear resistance, making it ideal for components. PAI’s extremely low coefficient of linear thermal expansion and high creep resistance deliver excellent dimensional stability over its entire service range.

At Performance Plastics, we are experts in injection molding, specializing in high performance plastics.  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 enable 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 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 specializes.  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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EnduroSharp® Products now available 24/7 on our Ecommerce Website

December 2, 2021  |  , ,

Performance Plastics – Problem Solved – has updated our EnduroSharp® website with a 24/7 ecommerce portal that makes finding and ordering your EnduroSharp® products even easier.

Performance Plastics is a leader in high performance plastics engineering.  Our customers include many of the industry’s leading companies in aerospace, medical and industrial applications.   We execute mission critical projects where failure is not an option.

“We’re in the age of eCommerce,” said Chris Lawson, COO of Performance Plastics.  “Many B2B companies have accelerated their digital strategy following the onset of the pandemic.  COVID 19 has fundamentally altered purchasing behaviors and our buyer’s needs and timelines.  We want to provide options that exceed their expectations”.

Our goal with this imitative was to ensure our customers’ experience on our site rivals the best eCommerce sites today.  We believe we have achieved that goal.  Our mission at Performance Plastics is to bring innovation and value to your business.  Our eCommerce platform is going to deliver both these propositions to our customers.

Our updated website is built on a flexible platform that allows you to find what you need quickly. You can search your items by product name or number, read descriptions and view videos of your products in action before your buy.

And now through January 31, 2021, all ecommerce customers will be entered into our drawing for a $100 Amazon gift card.

 

For more information on EnduroSharp® please visit our website at www.performanceplastics.com/endurosharp.

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Why Use Torlon®/ PAI for your Applications

November 17, 2021  |  , , ,
Torlon Performance Plastic component

Custom Torlon Performance Plastic Component

Torlon® is a high performance amorphous (non-crystalline) engineering thermoplastic that possesses exceptional physical and chemical qualities.   It is recognized as the highest performing thermoplastic that is still melt processible. Torlon®/PAI is a Polyamide-imide, which are either thermosetting or thermoplastic, amorphous polymers that have exceptional mechanical, thermal, and chemical resistant properties.

Torlon’s® exceptional properties are the result of being transformed from a thermoplastic to a cross-linked thermoset during a curing process. Torlon® is available in glass reinforced and carbon fiber reinforced grades which offer even greater stiffness and enhanced thermal expansion properties. The wear grades offer unmatched performance over a wide range of temperature and PV conditions.

Torlon® can be extruded into shapes and injection molded into intricate custom geometries. It performs well under severe conditions and at continuous temperatures as high as 500° F.  Torlon® possesses remarkable resistance to wear, creep and chemicals, including acids and most organics, which make it ideal for severe environments. Torlon® also has superior electrical and structural strength at high temperatures, excellent radiation resistance, an extremely low coefficient of linear thermal expansion, and exceptional dimensional stability.

Torlon® is the superior choice when applications require extreme high or low temperatures, such as bearings and seals.  PAI polymers offer superior compressive strength and high hardness characteristics that are critical in many applications that demand a high level of wear performance.

Torlon®/PAI polyamide-imides also offer superior toughness or impact strength.  PAI has a high heat deflection temperature and retains higher strength and stiffness at elevated temperatures. With PAI having superior stiffness and a lower coefficient of thermal expansion, this means that PAI has the advantage of better dimensional stability at elevated temperatures. However, PAI does absorb moisture, therefore, this also needs to be considered relative to the potential limitations a lack of humidity control could present with regard to dimensional stability.  PAI has higher tensile and compressive strength in the unreinforced extruded grade which has advantages in some applications.

For more information on Torlon® or other Performance Plastics products, please contact Rich Reed, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at [email protected] or call 440-785-7122.

 

An assortment of Torlon Parts

An assortment of Torlon Parts

 

An EnduroSharp(R) Scraper Blade & Holder Kit with Torlon(R) Blades

 

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Product Spotlight – EnduroSharp® Torlon® Gap Filler Removal Discs (GFRD)

November 11, 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 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 also includes a variety of kits containing a selection of parts and sizes.

Traditionally, aerospace maintenance professionals removed sealants and adhesives from  gaps utilizing solvents and/or abrasive scraper tools.  Solvents are very dangerous in that they may dissolve unintended materials, and produce hazardous fumes.  Abrasive scraper tools are often hard to control and may cause unintended substrate damage.

EnduroSharp® Torlon® Gap Filler Removal (GFRD) Discs are designed for use with a pneumatic tool. The tools provide aerospace maintenance professionals with an effective method of safely removing flexibilized epoxy gap materials as well as cutting or scoring thick elastomeric coatings without damaging composite substructures.

EnduroSharp® Torlon® Gap Filler Removal (GFRD) Discs are shipped 4 parts per box.

The EnduroSharp® Torlon® Gap Filler Removal Discs are just one of the many different items offered in the EnduroSharp® product line. Contact Rich Reed our Vice President of Sales and Marketing, at (513) 321-8404 or [email protected],  for more information on our EnduroSharp® kits and products.

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What is a High Performance Plastic?

November 4, 2021  |  , , ,
Ultem PEI Polyethermide thermoplastic component

Ultem PEI Polyetherimide thermoplastic component

High performance plastics are plastics that meet higher requirements than standard or engineering plastics. Generally, they are used in smaller amounts for critical applications such as aerospace, defense, medical or industrial applications. They represent about 1% of the plastics manufactured worldwide. High performance plastics differ from standard plastics primarily by their higher thermal stability, outstanding chemical resistance, and superior product quality.

There are many names for the term high-performance plastics, such as: high temperature plastics, high performance polymers, high performance thermoplastics or high tech plastics. The term “polymers” is often used instead of “plastics” when referring to a high performance plastic. Performance plastics are often achieved by the addition of stabilizers and reinforcing materials such as glass and carbon fibers to increase the degree of polymerization.

When it comes to thermal stability, high performance plastics generally have an operating temperature over 300ºF. One material, PEEK, can hold a continuous operating temperature of 500ºF, while another called Celazole® PBI has a continuous service capability of 750ºF. High performance plastics won’t deform or degrade in high temperature applications and maintain their superior mechanical properties.

High performance plastics also offer outstanding chemical resistance. PPS, FEP/PFA and PAI are resistant to a broad range of chemicals while Teflon® (PTFE) is almost entirely chemically inert and highly insoluble in most solvents or chemicals.
High performance plastics offer superior product quality in terms of machinability, durability, reusability, and recyclable qualities. They are used in a wide range of multi-use applications and durable applications and are frequently used to replace other materials such as metal, wood, and glass. Nearly all high performance plastics are recyclable.

The superior product quality of high-performance plastics (specifically their high heat resistance and strength/stiffness) can make them difficult to process, often requiring specialized machinery and talent. This, combined with their higher material cost, generally restrict their use to specialized applications. However, their capabilities and outstanding performance make high-performance plastic parts well worth the cost. For more information on high performance plastics or other Performance Plastics services, please contact Rich Reed, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at [email protected] or call 440-785-7122.

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What is Torlon? – Performance Plastics

October 13, 2021  |  , , , ,

Performance Plastics’ Senior Design Engineer, Brian Black, walks through the key points of injection molding Torlon®.

Torlon

PAI (Polyamidimide) 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

Solvay Torlon® features superior creep resistance and mechanical strength over a wide range of temperatures and a very low coefficient of linear thermal expansion. It is an amorphous material with a glass transition temperature of 537°F.  Torlon’s resistance to chemicals, high-energy radiation, hydrolysis, and UV combined with its ability to maintain physical properties under extreme temperatures make Torlon® ideal for applications exposed to severe environments.

Torlon® is optimal for parts that need to perform under conditions generally considered too severe for thermoplastics. Typical applications include aircraft hardware and fasteners, automotive transmission and powertrain components, and oil & gas exploration and recovery equipment. The material’s excellent electrical insulating properties have made it a common choice for semiconductor fabrication and testing as well as electrical and electronic components.

Typical Applications Include:

  • Semi-conductor machinery parts
  • Aerospace components
  • Pump and Valve parts
  • Compressor Components
  • High Temperature Insulators

At Performance Plastics, we are experts in injection molding, specializing in high performance plastics.  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 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 manufacturers.  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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What is PFA and What Is It Used For?

September 21, 2021  |  , , , ,

PFA plastic (perfluoroalkoxy) is a tough, flexible fluoropolymer that is used for flexible and reusable medical equipment pharmaceutical and semi-con devices when chemical resistance, high purity, and flexibility are required.

PFA plastic is generally used for medical, pharmaceutical and semi-conductor plastics due to its extreme resistance to chemical attack, optical transparency, and overall flexibility. Keeping material purity is of critical importance in most injection molding applications, but particularly the medical, pharmaceutical and semi-conductor industries.

Devices used for medical, pharmaceutical measurement and semi-conductor are frequently exposed to harsh biological and chemical elements. Parts manufactured or coated in PFA materials provide good resistance and are an effective solution for avoiding contamination.

PFA is such an optimal material, that in some cases it can even replace stainless steel in medical devices.   PFA handles high temperatures and pressure well and is resistant to biological impurities. PFA is a go-to option for moving elements in medical devices because of its stiffness and long life, while providing flexibility and resistance to cracks

Many PFAs are used in pharmaceutical industry because of mandated regulations for process component materials. PFA is very versatile in how parts can be manufactured, and it lends itself well to extrusion, injection molding, transfer molding,  blow molding and compression molding.  You will often see PFA in lab equipment because of its outstanding chemical inertness and flexibility.

PFA resins are fully fluorinated polymers specifically designed for the high demanding applications of the semi-con industry.  The high purity composition of PFA addresses the requirement for minimum extractables while proving improved flex life and excellent chemical stress crack resistance.

PFA Properties

  • Chemically stable
  • Dielectric strength
  • Non-flammable
  • Chemical resistance
  • Anti-stick properties
  • Low friction
  • FDA approved
  • High purity
  • UV Resistant
  • Translucent
  • Low moisture absorption

PFA is one of the many advanced fluoropolymers Performance Plastics can mold within extremely tight tolerances.  For more information, please contact Rich Reed, Vice President of sales and marketing at 513.321.8404 or [email protected].

 

 

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Product Spotlight – EnduroSharp® Torlon® Scraper Blade & Holder Kit with Pneumatic Tool

September 1, 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.

Scraper blades are designed for use in larger areas where a gap blade is too small. Made from a non-marring Torlon® material the blades are a quick, safe and effective method of removing sealants and adhesives from composite structures. Add the optional pneumatic tool to make the removal even quicker and more efficient.
The EnduroSharp® Scraper Blade & Holder Kit is one of the most popular kits offered.

This Kit contains:
The kit comes complete with a standard scraper blade holder, pocket handle, and 10 EnduroSharp® Torlon® Scraper Blades (2 of each size: TSB-170, TSB230, TSB-500, TSB-750, and TSB-1200).

The EnduroSharp® Scraper Blade & 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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Performance Plastics – Specialists in Metal to Plastic Conversion

August 26, 2021  |  , , ,
carbon fiber filled PEEK thermoplastic gear

Proprietary impregnated PEEK distributor gear for improved performance and useful life

Metals have been the first choice of design engineers for almost three centuries. Developments in highly engineered thermoplastics materials are challenging that dominance. The aerospace and automotive industries have led the charge in this dramatic changeover, initially driven by the need to reduce weight to gain fuel efficiency. Advanced thermoplastic and thermoset systems, including fiber reinforced compositions, are now finding their way into almost every industry.
PEEK is a mainstay material for a growing variety of applications in many different industries. Its popularity is due to excellent friction and wear characteristics, extended durability under punishing environmental conditions, including high temperatures, abrasion and aggressive chemical environments.

Unfilled PEEK resins emit extremely low levels of smoke and toxic gas when exposed to a flame. Glass and carbon reinforced PEEK resins offer high thermal stability and are among the strongest thermoplastics in the market.
PEEK has a long list of outstanding characteristics making it one of the most popular alternatives to metal:

• High mechanical strength and dimensional stability
• Excellent resistance to harsh chemicals
• High wear resistance
• Low coefficient of friction; high abrasion and cut-through resistance
• Excellent performance at high temperatures

Performance Plastics uses various grades of PEEK resin as metal replacements in applications where few other fluoropolymers would be considered. PEEK is widely used in industries such as: aerospace (commercial and defense), automotive, marine, industrial and energy (fossil fuel and renewable). To discover how PEEK polymer resins can make the transition from metal to thermoplastic easier, please visit our website at https://performanceplastics.com/capabilities/polymer-seals or contact Rich Reed, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, at (513) 321-8404 or [email protected]

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Product Spotlight – EnduroSharp® Torlon® Gap Filler Removal Bits (Part 2)

August 11, 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 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 also includes a variety of kits containing a selection of parts and sizes.

Traditionally, aerospace maintenance professional removed sealants and adhesives from from gaps utilizing solvents and/or abrasive scraper tools.  Solvents are very dangerous in that they may dissolve non intended materials, and also produce hazardous fumes.  Abrasive scraper tools are often hard to control and may cause unintended substrate damage.

EnduroSharp® Torlon® Gap Filler Removal (GFR) Bits are designed for use with an ergonomically-designed pneumatic tool. The tools provide aerospace maintenance professionals with an effective method of safely removing flexibilized epoxy gap materials from gaps and epoxy fillers from fasteners without damaging composite substructures and fasteners.

EnduroSharp® Torlon® Gap Filler Removal (GFR) Bits are available in a spiral single fluted, 1.70″ X 0.162″ configuration and shipped 10 parts per box.

The EnduroSharp® Torlon® Gap Filler Removal Bits are just one of the many different items offered in the EnduroSharp® product line. Contact Rich Reed our Vice President of Sales and Marketing, at (513) 321-8404 or [email protected],  for more information on our EnduroSharp® kits and products.

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