Pexco Specializes in High-Performance Fluoropolymer Molding & Extrusion Technologies
August 1, 2024 | Blog, Capabilities Blogs, Engineering Capabilities BlogsFluoropolymers are used in many industries, including aerospace, pharmaceutical, medical, and semi-conductors where they are used for seals, gaskets, bushings, bearings, hoses, tubing, wiring, even fiber optics cladding and semi-conductors. There are multiple ways to manufacture parts and components made from fluoropolymers, injection molding and profile extrusion are two of the most efficient.
What Are Fluoropolymers?
Fluoropolymers,as the name no doubt implies, are polymers that are based on bonding between fluorine and carbon. The first fluoropolymer was PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), which is perhaps better known by its trade name Teflon. Other common fluoropolymers include ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene), PFA (perfluoroalkoxy alkane), PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), PVF(perfluoralkoxy), FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene), and ECTFE (ethylenechlorotrifluoroethylene).
Fluoropolymers are popular materials because of their properties which include resistance to high temperatures, chemical attacks, and electrical current. They are also low friction, non-toxic, exhibit minimal aging and leaching of chemicals. In addition, many fluoropolymers are biocompatible, making them ideal for medical applications.
- Injection Molding: This process involves melting the fluoropolymer resin pellets andinjecting the molten material into a mold cavity under high pressure. Oncecooled and solidified, the part is ejected from the mold. Injection molding issuitable for producing intricate shapes with high precision and is commonlyused for smaller, complex parts.
- Profile Extrusion: In this method, the fluoropolymer resin is melted and forced through a die that shapes it into a continuous profile of the desired cross-section. The profile is then cooled and cut to the desired lengths.Profile extrusion is often used for manufacturing longer, continuous shapes such as tubing, rods, and strips.
Both processes have their advantages depending on the specific requirements of the part, such as size, complexity, and production volume.
Working with fluoropolymers can be challenging, but not impossible. Selection of the right polymer material for the application and consideration of processing parameters like tooling designare crucial for successful manufacturing. Materials like PFA and FEP are known for their melt-processability, making them suitable for the molding process.
Pexco’s specialization in high-performance fluoropolymer molding and extrusion technologies makes us a valuable partner for industries requiring components made from fluoropolymers. Our expertise in utilizing processes like injection molding and profile extrusion helps us meet specific requirements for parts interms of size, complexity, and production volume.
For more information on how Pexco can assist you with your next extrusion project, please visit our website at www.pexco.com, or contact our office at 513.321.8404.