EnduroSharp® Torlon® Aircraft Maintenance Tools – Why Use a Pneumatic Tool

July 27, 2022  |  , , ,

EnduroSharp® has improved the way aerospace maintenance professionals remove sealants and adhesives from substrates and fasteners.  EnduroSharp® resharpenable, non-marring tools are made from Torlon®, a high strength polymer, creating a non-metallic blade tool that will not damage composite structures during use.

Many of our EnduroSharp® tools can be used in conjunction with a pneumatic tool.  A pneumatic tool is one that’s driven with the assistance of compressed air rather than electricity.  Pneumatic tools rely on air compressors to provide a burst of air to perform its operation. A pneumatic tool can operate indefinitely as long as the attached air compressor can deliver the required volume and pressure without interruption.

Pneumatic Tools are very strong air powered tools and provide the user with a tremendous amount of labor and time saving torque.

Pneumatic tools provide many advantages:

  • Main advantage is they are far less expensive than their electric alternatives.
  • Provide a degree of safety in wet areas where electric motors can be dangerous.
  • Lighter in weight than their electric counterparts.
  • Pneumatic tools can deliver large amounts of torque or operate for long durations of time.
  • More flexible than electric – nearly all air-driven tools use the same ¼” quick connect fittings.

Generally, pneumatic tools are smaller, more versatile, easy-to-use and safer than traditional electric tools.  Since pneumatic tools are usually lighter, the user is able to have better control and experience less fatigue and strain.  They are also able to withstand various elements such as dust, heat and water better than electric tools.

The EnduroSharp® Pneumatic Tool for Scraper Blades is just one of the many products offered in the EnduroSharp® Product line. Contact Rich Reed,  Vice President of Sales and Marketing, at (513) 321-8404 or [email protected], for more information.

 

/by

All You Need to Know About EnduroSharp Torlon Gap Filler Removal Discs

July 14, 2022  |  , , ,

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.

/by

It’s Not Tight Tolerance Unless You Can Measure It – Industrial CT Scanning

July 12, 2022  |  , , ,

As you’re designing and manufacturing your next application, wouldn’t it be ideal if you could analyze all the parts, compare them to the original drawings and get results quickly, without damage? At Performance Plastics, we have the ability to do this through industrial computed tomography (CT) scan. Giving us the ability to measure all aspects of your part, without having to damage it.

Industrial CT scanning gives you access to the inner workings of a part without having to destroy the original. The scanner rotates the part 360 degrees and uses X-rays to create a precise 3D model. This allows for a thorough analysis of object dimensions, porosity, wall thickness, assembly defects, comprehensive comparisons, and reverse engineering.

The CT scan can then be compared to the CAD model and to other parts. Plus, it can easily analyze surface variations and provide cross sections to reveal hidden features.

Performance Plastics now offer a variety of CT scan-related services:

  • Part-to-CAD comparisons create a precise overlay of the scanned part to the original 3D part model database
  • Part-to-part comparisons provide an overlay of two scanned parts to reveal dimensional deviation
  • Void and inclusion analysis provides material and defect analysis showing void or inclusion size and locations
  • Wall thickness analysis measures slight changes in the wall stock of complex parts without destructive testing
  • Dimensional analysis provides full article inspections and reporting
  • Reverse engineering capabilities that generate a 3D CAD file

Industrial CT scanning can be necessary during five different manufacturing stages. When you’re in pre-production, it can help with the project design and analysis. During production, you can use CT scanning to evaluate consistency. At the failure investigation stage, it will find defects. The CT scanner can run repeatability tests when you’re doing inspections. And if you need design adjustments or are doing further R&D, it can help with reverse engineering.

As for what Performance Plastics can handle when CT scanning:

  • Maximum part size is 300mm diameter x 350 mm tall
  • Scan time is typically less than one hour
  • Accuracy (using Calypso) of 9+L/50 microns
  • X-ray-based measurement system is non-contact
  • Parts do not require potting

At Performance Plastics, we are experts in injection molding, specializing in high performance plastics for medical device components. 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.

For more information on Performance Plastic’s capabilities, please contact Rich Reed, Vice President of Sales, and Marketing at 513.321.8404 or email at [email protected]  

 

/by

Benefits of Reshoring for Medical Device Manufacturers

June 28, 2022  |  , , , ,

Medical devices must be dependable and safe, and moving operations back to the United States allow companies to have better control over the entire operation – procurement, engineering, production, and distribution.  The result is a higher standard of quality in products.  Medical device companies and other advanced industries need to have extensive and precise control over the entire supply chain of their products.

As an American small business, Performance Plastics is pleased to see the trend of manufacturing operations moving back to the United States.  A range of economic and strategic factors due to the recent epidemic have tipped the scales exponentially since 2020.

While there are many benefits of reshoring, some of the most important reasons include:

  • Greater Control of Supply Chain

Getting all your moving pieces to work seamlessly can be a near impossible task, especially across language and time zone barriers.  One of the primary advantages of reshoring is that it allows you to tighten your supply chain.

  • Reduced Lead Times

The greater the distance between where your device is manufactured and where you are located, the longer you can expect your lead time to be.  However, distance is not the only factor.  When moving from one country to another, inspection and transportation times between countries can add up to 50% to your lead time.

  • Fewer Import Tariffs

Import tariffs vary from administration to administration, but they will always be in place.  The recent increase in tariffs have caused the cost advantages of manufacturing offshore to shrink.

  • Reduced Energy Costs

Recent changes to international gas and power prices have drastically increased the prices of manufacturing and transportation from other countries.  Impact on the environment and achieving higher sustainability are very important to consumers.

  • Potential to Improve Brand Perception

Although we live in an international community, the origin of a product still has an impact on the perception of quality.  Some lower cost manufacturing countries even have a perception of being “dangerous”.

Medical devices necessitate the highest quality standards possible, which can’t always be regulated in an offshore manufacturing environment.  The vast global, economic, legal and social changes are all very dynamic and unpredictable in nature – making relocating operations a more sustainable, stable and efficient choice.

At Performance Plastics, we are experts in injection molding, specializing in high performance plastics for medical device components. 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.

For more information on Performance Plastic’s capabilities, please contact Rich Reed, Vice President of Sales, and Marketing at 513.321.8404 or email at [email protected] 

 

/by

Fluoropolymers Are A Great Choice For Parts That Must Perform In Unique Conditions

May 19, 2022  |  , , ,

When you need parts that can withstand extreme operating conditions, fluoropolymers may fit the bill. Parts like roofing membranes, fuel tubes, biomedical devices, and wires are all common applications of fluoropolymers.

FEP Fluoropolymer:

Fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP resin) is a melt-processable fluoropolymer. FEP has low gas and permeability properties, can be extruded in long continuous lengths, and possesses excellent UV transmission rating. FEP is also suitable for use in a biomedical setting and is gamma sterilizable.

All of these attributes make FEP an ideal fluoropolymer for a diverse range of applications from environmental monitoring equipment to medical devices and electronics. Because it is a thermoplastic, FEP is also easily heat-formed, tipped, tapered, flared, and flanged.

PFA Fluoropolymer:

Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA resin) is a melt-processable fluoropolymer that combines many of the best traits of PTFE and FEP. At 500 °F (260 °C), PFA has a higher service temperature than FEP and maintains its mechanical integrity in extreme temperatures even when exposed to caustic chemicals. PFA has greater tensile strength than PTFE and a smoother surface finish than both PTFE and FEP.

PFA’s is a top choice in semiconductor, chemical, oil and gas, aerospace, automotive, pharmaceutical, and medical industries. This fluoropolymer has excellent lubricity, clarity, flexibility, and chemical resistance, making it a versatile choice.

FEP vs PFA Fluoropolymers

FEP and PFA are injection moldable, highly inert, compatible with most organic compounds, have good barrier properties and high continuous use temperatures. They are virtually impervious to chemical, enzyme and microbiological attack and stiffer than PTFE. The non-stick properties of these polymers can also be useful to reduce liquid, gel and powder adhesion. Fluoropolymers in general, have good dielectric properties and are resistant to atmospheric degradation.
While significantly less expensive than PFA, FEP is very difficult to mold due to its low viscosity. However, Performance Plastics has developed proprietary tooling and processes enabling the injection molding of small, thin-walled, complex FEP parts.

• More transparent than PTFE (not injection moldable)

• Better gas and vapor permeability properties than PTFE
• Maximum working temperature 400°F
• Approximately 1/3 the cost of PFA

PFA is significantly easier to mold than FEP, however, it is significantly more expensive.

• Higher continuous service temperature than FEP
• Maximum working temperature 500°F
• Difference in molecular structure gives PFA improved flow, creep resistance and thermal stability.

At Performance Plastics, we are experts in injection molding, specializing in high performance plastics. 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. For more information on Performance Plastic’s capabilities, please contact Rich Reed, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at 513.321.8404 or email at [email protected]

/by

Ultem® Use in Medical Applications

April 20, 2022  |  , , , ,

Ultem Polyetherimide is a material widely used in the medical industry.  It is a highly sought-after thermoplastic for its weight saving characteristics and for its use in reusable autoclave sterilization components.  Thermoplastic resins become more pliable at warmer temperatures which combined with strength characteristics, thinner walls and larger inner diameters make it a great option for medical tubing such as medical devices.

Thermoplastic polyurethanes dominate the catheter market and are used in some diagnostic and guiding designs. Extruded thermoplastic or thermoset materials are often used in cardiology or interventional radiology.   Polyamides and polyamide block copolymers dominate the percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty catheter market. They are the polymer of choice for balloon catheters and for stent delivery catheters.

 

Thermoplastic urethanes and polyether block amides are perhaps the most used thermoplastic elastomers in applications such as catheter tubing, balloons, wound dressings, surgical drapes, storage bags, strain reliefs and numerous other medical device applications.

Ultem is now widely used in:

  • Structural Medical Components
  • In Vitro Diagnostics
  • Medical Respiratory Devices
  • Infusion Pumps
  • Radiation Therapy Systems

Ultem has exceptional dimensional stability and machinability which makes it suitable for intricate medical devices. It can be molded with different materials like glass fibers, minerals, carbon fibers, etc. to enhance the mechanical strength of the products.

At Performance Plastics, we are experts in injection molding, specializing in high performance plastics. Ultem® is an amorphous material, 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 Ultem®. 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.

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

 

/by

Performance Plastics partners with Ohio Valley Goodwill

March 16, 2022  |  ,

Performance Plastics partners with Ohio Valley Goodwill

Performance Plastics designs and produces technically advanced, custom molded plastic components from Torlon® aircraft maintenance tools to PFA and FPA medical implants and prosthetics. While we cater to a worldwide audience, we feel it is important to participate in our local community.

Performance Plastics believes in giving people in our community opportunities and has employed disabled individuals and veterans from the Ohio Valley Goodwill for over 10 years.  They assist us in routine jobs, such as assembly and packing.

It has been our experience that the employees from Goodwill are among some of our most dependable.  They come to work every day with a positive attitude, and they really enjoy the work that they do for us.

Last year, Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries served almost 3000 individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment and placed 580 into competitive community jobs.  Typically, Goodwill serves more than 3000 people annually, and helps more than 1000 to get jobs in the community.   In 2020, Goodwill’s Veterans Services program served over 400 veterans

Ohio Valley Goodwill is a valuable community partner, and we are proud of our long partnership in helping individuals to attain employment and our commitment to being an inclusive employer in the Greater Cincinnati community. For more information on Performance Plastics and/or our partnership with Goodwill, please visit our website at www.performanceplastics.com.

 

 

 

/by

Performance Plastics Acquires A New Paint Booth

March 2, 2022  |  , ,

Performance Plastics – is pleased to announce the addition of a new piece of equipment – A Global Finishing Solutions Industrial Spray Paint Booth.

Global Finishing Solutions® (GFS) Paint Booths are high-quality, cost-effective solutions for industrial manufacturers that need to paint high quantities of finished parts. Pre-engineered models and standard options are fully ETL and ETL-C listed and meet or exceed industry safety standards.

The investment in this new piece of equipment expands our capacity to produce a higher volume of finished parts more quickly for our customers.  We partner with our customers to help them to exceed their customers’ expectations and delivery times.

The new, self-contained paint booth contains a number of features that help with efficiency and a better finished product.

  • Energy efficient LED lights for optimum brightness and precision.
  • Fan & Motors supply optimal airflow for a cleaner and better paint job,
  • Non-pressured electromechanical control panel to control exhaust, safety interlocks and lights to provide better finishes.

Performance Plastics specializes in the  injection molding thermoplastics of high performance resins featuring tight tolerances and thin-walled part geometries.

We work with our customers to design solutions utilizing the capabilities of thermoplastic resins including Peek, Torlon®, Ultem®, EXTEM®, PFA, FEP, PVDF and ETFE.  The industries we serve include aerospace/defense, medical and industrial applications. For more information, please visit our website at www.performanceplastics.com.

/by

Product Spotlight – EnduroSharp® Nutplate Abrasion Tool “The NAT”

January 27, 2022  |  , , ,

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

Adhesively bonded nutplates are increasingly being utilized in the manufacture of aerospace structures, with extensive use in securing removable maintenance access panels.

Traditionally, aerospace maintenance professionals prepared nutplates using manual methods such as abrading files or grinders.  This proved very inefficient because the abrading was often uneven,  leading to adhesively bonded nutplate failure.  While rotary abrasion tools (RATs) where better, they were often bulky and expensive.

That’s why EnduroSharp® developed the Nutplate Abrasion Tool (NAT).   Precisely designed to work with adhesively bonded nutplates, the product consists of a aluminum upper and lower handle and 4 nutplate base inserts.  The product is packaged in a convenient, rugged case which is handy for transporting.

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 EnduroSharp® Nutplate Abrasion Tool,  or any of our EnduroSharp® product line, please contact Rich Reed at [email protected] or visit our website at www.performanceplastics.com.

 

Operation of the Nutplate Abrasion Tool

/by

Torlon (PAI) Polyamide-imide for Complex Industrial Applications

January 19, 2022  |  , , ,
Torlon Performance Plastic component

Torlon Performance Plastic component

Highly engineered plastic formulations can achieve higher strength to weight ratios than traditional lightweight alloys such as aluminum and titanium.

Torlon® polyamide-imide is the highest performance plastic that is still melt processible, making it ideal for complex geometries.  Torlon® possesses a 500°F heat distortion temperature and a 500°F continuous service temperature allowing for usage at elevated temperatures while maintaining superior strength. Its ability to resist distortion under high temperature makes it perfect for industrial applications.

Long term reliability under strenuous conditions makes Torlon® ideal for load bearing, sealing and isolation applications.  The material provides significant advantages over metals when corrosion is an issue.   Torlon® has demonstrated superior resistance to degradation when exposed to elements such as PH levels and radiation.

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 complex industrial applications. 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]

 

 

/by