Why Designers Continue To Replace Metal Parts With Engineering Plastics

Mechanical engineers and designers are increasingly replacing existing metals parts with components made from engineering plastics. A common misconception is that this trend is based purely on reducing the initial cost per part, but the reality is quite different. Engineering plastics are often more expensive than metals, but provide benefits such as improved performance, longer part life, and reduced downtime. This long-term, “overall cost of ownership” approach is driving a strong market for engineered plastic solutions.


Here are a few of the product features and benefits that are driving the trend towards increased use of engineering plastics.

Wear Resistance
In high-wear applications, many plastic materials will outperform brass & other metal bearing materials. Plastics such as Nylon, UHMW, PTFE, Acetal and Turcite® offer natural lubricity to increase wear resistance and extend the part life of bearings, rollers, gears, and seals.

Lightweight
When replacing metal parts, plastics will typically reduce the part weight by 30% to 50%.This can translate to significant energy savings when used in applications such as transportation, linear motion, and material handling.

Temperature Resistance
Plastics, ceramics, and composites have been developed which resist both extremely high & extremely low cryogenic temperature ranges with minimal loss of mechanical properties. Materials such as Celazole® PBI can continually operate at up to 750°F, while materials such as Kel-F® PCTFE can operate at -400°F.

Impact Resistance & Shock Absorption
Many plastics and composites offer excellent impact resistance. Materials such as Polycarbonate are used for impact-resistant glazing and shields. Nylon and Polyurethane will absorb impact shock and isolate stress points to protect surrounding components.

Insulation Properties
Many plastics have excellent insulation properties, reducing heat, and improving product reliability. Laminates such as G-10/FR-4, GPO-3 and LE Phenolic are used extensively in electrical and transportation industries to insulate from heat and electrical shock. Thermoplastics such as PTFE and Meldin® work well in high-temperature insulating applications.

Corrosion Resistance
Metals are inherently susceptible to corrosion from moisture, acids, and organic solvents. Many plastics were designed specifically to combat these problems. Materials such as PVC, CPVC, Polypropylene, and PTFE offer superior corrosion resistance at an economical price.

Medical Approval
Many plastics have been approved for use in medical applications ranging from heart pump valves to endoscopic instruments. Products meet FDA, USP Class VI, and ISO 10993 standards. Such materials include Radel®, PEEK, Ultem®, and Polycarbonate.

Fire Safe
Dozens of plastic materials have been developed to meet common aircraft, transportation, semiconductor, and UL ratings for flame and smoke safety. Specifications include FAR, FTA, FRA, ASTM, UL and FM. In the semiconductor industry materials meeting the FM-4910 specification have reduced or eliminated the need for costly fire-suppression systems, and thus have reduced overall equipment costs. In some cases, the use of these materials have even reduced insurance costs in high-liability applications. Common flame-retardant and flame-safe materials include: Kydex®, Boltaron®, Halar®, CP7-D, FRPP, Corzan® CPVC, and Kynar® 740 PVDF.

High Purity
Plastics have long been a crucial product used in the manufacturing of high-purity fluid & gas handling applications. Many plastics have eliminated the concerns of out-gassing, leaching, and other contamination in crucial high-purity systems. These products include: PTFE, PFA, FEP, Halar® and Kynar® PVDF.

Static Control
Several plastics and composites have anti-static qualities to prevent the build up of an electric charge. Products range from conductive materials 10^2-10^6, and static dissipative 10^6-10^10, to highly resistive materials 10^10-10^12.


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To learn more, contact Professional Plastics, Inc. or please visit www.professionalplastics.com

Polyimide - The Ultimate High-Performance Thermoplastic Material

Thermosetting Polyimides (PI) are known for thermal stability, good chemical resistance & excellent mechanical properties. They exhibit very low creep & high tensile strength. These properties are maintained during continuous use to temperatures of 450°F (232°C) and for short excursions, as high as 900°F (482°C).   Professional Plastics offers the widest range of polyimide materials in the industry from Meldin® Shapes, Vespel® Shapes, Kapton® Film, Kaptrex® Film, Cirlex® Laminate, Kaptolam® laminate, Solimide® foam,and Protomid® microbore tubing.

Molded polyimide parts & laminates have very good heat resistance. Normal operating temperatures for such parts and laminates range from cryogenic to those exceeding 500°F (260°C). Polyimides are also inherently resistant to flame combustion and do not usually need to be mixed with flame retardants. Most carry a UL rating of VTM-0.

Polyimide laminates have a flexural strength half life at 480°F (249°C) of 400 hours. Typical polyimide parts are not affected by commonly used solvents & oils — including hydrocarbons, esters, ethers, alcohols and freons. They also resist weak acids but are not recommended for use in environments that contain alkalis or inorganic acids.

Polyimide parts and shapes such as Meldin®, Vespel® are produced via Isostatic Molding, Compression Molding or Direct-Forming.

For more details visit our polyimides webpage at:
http://www.professionalplastics.com/Polyimide_RodPlateFilmTube

Grades of Meldin Polyimide:
MELDIN® 7001, Unfilled Grade
A thermosetting polyimide, MELDIN® 7001 is our unfilled base resin. This grade offers the maximum mechanical properties and high chemical resistance. The MELDIN® 7001 grade is ideal for electrical and thermal insulating applications. More ductile than ceramics, and lighter weight than metals, MELDIN® 7001 is a popular choice for structural parts in aerospace and other applications where metal replacement is desirable.

MELDIN® 7021, 15% by Weight Graphite Filler
Our self-lubricating grade, MELDIN® 7021, has 15% by weight graphite fillers, encapsulated by the base polyimide resin. With its low coefficient of friction and high heat resistance, MELDIN® 7021 provides our customers the best all-around choice for high temperature bearings, seals, and other low-wear applications.

MELDIN® 7211 - 15% Graphite + 10% PTFE Fillers by Weight
MELDIN® 7211 is 15% by weight graphite and 10% by weight PTFE fillers. It has the lowest coefficient of friction of all the MELDIN® 7000 grades. However, above 300°F, we typically use MELDIN® 7021, which has a very similar coefficient of friction to 7211 at temperatures above 300°F, and the wear factor of 7021 is lower than 7211 at temperatures above 300°F.

MELDIN® 7022 - 40% by weight graphite filler
MELDIN® 7022 is 40% by weight graphite filler. It is similar to the 7021 for wear and friction, but it has the best overall dimensional stability (thermally), and the 7022 has the lowest coefficient of thermal expansion – due to the relatively high graphite filler content.

MELDIN® 7003 - 15% molybdenum disulfide lubricating filler
Meldin® 7003 includes 15% molybdenum disulfide lubricating filler for wear applications that operate in a vacuum or in very dry conditions where graphite actually becomes abrasive. Typical applications of Meldin 7003 include seals, bushings, bearings, gears, and other wear surfaces in outer space, ultra-high vacuum or dry gas applications.

Meldin 7000 meets the following specifications :

Mil-P-46198 Military Specification (now obsoleted)

ASTM D6456-99 Standard Specification

SAE AMS 3644G Aerospace Material Specification

CPW411 Rev. H Pratt & Whitney Specification

MCS 5016 Honeywell Specification

UL V0-5VA flammability rating

Plastic Fabricating Tools & Accessories Online

A full-range of Plastic Fabricating Tools and Accessories are available from Professional Plastics' website.  Creating acrylic displays, boxes, podiums and sheilds is easy when the right supplies are available.  Professional Plastics offers cutting tools, polishing tools, buffing compounds, welding products, adhesives, hinges, strip heaters and more.

For more information and to Order Online, click here:
http://www.professionalplastics.com/PlasticToolsAccessories
Professional Plastics operated 16 stocking locations in the USA.
Call (888) 995-7767 to reach the nearest location.

Polystone® M XDT - New X-Ray Detectable UHMW-PE Shapes

Polystone® M XDT (X-Ray Detectable UHMW-PE) is available from Professional Plastics, Inc.
Röchling Engineering Plastics continues to set trends and provide solutions in the food processing and pharmaceutical industries when it comes to product safety and quality assurance – announcing the first X-ray detectable UHMW-PE available in the market.

Repeated handling, cleaning and normal wear and tear of plastic component parts on food, beverage and pharmaceutical processing machinery increases the risk of a fragment breaking off and contaminating the product during processing.

The need for traceable plastics, especially machined parts for filling, sorting and packaging machinery is critical due to strict FDA regulations regarding foreign materials and contaminants. Since we introduced our line of Metal Detectable engineering plastics (Polystone M MDT (UHMW-PE) and Sustarin C MDT (Acetal)) more than two years ago, these unique products continue be an effective solution for plastic parts used in open product zone applications.

However moving forward, we quickly realized a demand for X-ray detectable plastic parts for today's high speed machinery as processors turn to X-ray inspection equipment especially for post-package inspection. Working together with one of the world's largest food processors and a leading manufacturer of X-ray inspection systems, our Polystone M XDT has proven to be detected with a particle size as small as a 3mm cube. Running at speeds as fast as 250 feet-per-minute, this product can be detected and automatically sorted to a product hold area for further inspection. It works effectively with various types of packaging including metal cans, plastic and composite containers and glass jars.

Applications: - Scraper blades - Mixer Components - Baffles - Filler plates - Wear plates - Pillow blocks - Pocket fillers - Volumetric fillers - Cups & Sleeves - Piston fillers - Hopper guides - Dividers

Polystone® M XDT can be detected as small as a 3mm cube.

Polystone® M XDT - the industry's first X-ray detectable UHMW-PE

Note:  It is the responsibility of the user to test and approve the detection of this product due to variations in x-ray detection systems and required sensitivity settings.

Polystone® M XDT is available in both sheets, rods and fabricated parts to your specifications.
Rods: .500" to 6" diameter (12.7mm to 152mm)
Sheets: 3/8" to 4" thick (9.52mm to 101mm)

Click here to order online or request a custom quote: http://www.professionalplastics.com/PolystoneM_XDT_X-RayDetectableUHMW


PROFESSIONAL PLASTICS, INC.
www.professionalplastics.com
sales@proplas.com

8 Everyday Uses For Teflon

Considering the fact that plastic products seem to find their way into several aspects of one's everyday life, it should come as no surprise that Teflon, created by DuPont research scientist Dr. Roy Plunkeet in 1938, seems to appear time and time again on the list of essential ingredients to many products. Take for example the list below:

8 Everyday Uses For Teflon

Cooking:  non-stick pots and pans

Beauty Products: nail polish remover and curling and flat irons

Automotive: windshield wiper blades

Apparel and Home: fabric and upholstery protection

Manufacturing: machines and applications which require sliding actions or require bearings, sliding plates, gears, bushings, etc.

Medical: medical equipments and Teflon grafts and implants

Research: laboratory equipment like containers and tubing

Technology: Computer equipment and robotics

To find out more interesting information about Teflon, watch this clip from The Balancing Act

  



Polish, Clean and Repair Your Plexiglass with Novus Plastic Polish

Clean, polish and maintain the look of your plexiglass windshield, tabletop, or store display with Novus Plastics Polish available from Professional Plastics. Professional Plastics stocks and distributes the full-line of Novus Plastic Polish through our 16 USA locations. 

Since NOVUS first introduced NOVUS Plastic Polish in 1973, the number of plastic products has grown tremendously. Yet, as widely used as plastic is, many people are still not sure how to care for it. By using NOVUS Plastic Cleaner; you can actually add life to plastic and keep it looking new. 

Novus Plastic Polish is Available in Three Grades:

NOVUS No.1-Gently cleans all plastics without scratching. Leaves a lustrous shine that resists fogging, repels dust, and eliminates static. Resists finger marking Contains no abrasives or harsh chemicals Leaves a smooth, clean, greaseless shine NOVUS No. 1 Cleans, Shines, and Protects All Plastics.

NOVUS No.2 -Removes fine scratches, haziness and abrasions from most plastics. With repeated use, NOVUS No.2 restores faded and discoloured plastics. Removes the damage instead of filling it in Buffs out quickly After restoring, seals with a coat of polish NOVUS NO. 2 Removes Fine Scratches from Most Plastics.

NOVUS No.3 - Removes heavy scratches and abrasions from most acrylic surfaces. Use when damage is too severe to be restored with NOVUS No.2 polish. Requires use of NOVUS No.2 for final finishing Not recommended for use on coated plastics NOVUS No.3 Removes Heavy Scratches from Most Acrylics.

Just can't wait to get your hands of this amazing stuff...click here to order

Professional Plastics on Twitter

Looking for Professional Plastics on Twitter? Well search no more! Scan our QR code or vist the link below and follow us @Pro_Plastics.

An Inside Look....

If you have ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at Professional Plastics, here is an insiders look at our amazing warehouse.  In this mammoth-sized room we house limitless plastic products and fabricate our customers custom orders and special needs.  Our warehouse is quite an amazing space and we greatly appreciate all those who work so hard to keep it running.

Unitrex® Lf20 PTFE Filled PEEK Offers Superior Performance

Unitrex® Lf20 PTFE Filled PEEK offers the performance of standard unfilled PEEK, with the addition of PTFE, resulting in a very lower coefficient of friction. For wear applications requiring both high heat resistance and resistance to many acidic and alkaline solutions, this material is an excellent choice.

With its unique combination of wear resistance, FDA compliance, UL94 V-0 flame rating and extremely low toxicity and smoke release, Unitrex Lf20 is suitable for use in a myriad of applications including aerospace, aircraft, oil & gas extraction and processing, semiconductor fabrication and many more.

Additionally, this material is increasingly being used to replace component parts made of metals due to its light weight, fabrication ease, insulating properties and design freedom, which allows for part consolidation in many applications.

Unitrex Lf20 PTFE Filled PEEK Features:

Very low coefficient of friction

High Continuous Use Temperature

FDA compliant

UL94 V-0 rated

Low toxicity and smoke release

Dimensionally stable

Highly resistant to alkaline and acidic solutions 

Easily machined and fabricated

Typical Applications:

Compressor seals

Valve components

Poppets

Pump components     

For more information, visit: http://www.professionalplastics.com/UnitrexLf20PTFE_FilledPEEK
or call Professional Plastics, Inc. at (888) 995-7767.  16 Locations in the USA and Singapore.

Professional Plastics Opens New Site in Smyrna, Georgia

Professional Plastics, a California-based supplier of plastic sheets, rods, tubing and films has opened their 16th USA warehouse-distribution center in the Atlanta suburb of Smyrna.  The new 15,000 square foot facility will be the main fulfillment point serving customers throughout the Southeastern U.S.  The new branch will handle both product distribution and sales support for Professional Plastics' customers in Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi. 


Stock materials include; Delrin, Acetal, Nylon, Teflon PTFE, PVC, UHMW, PVDF, Ultem, Acrylic, Plexiglass, ABS, HDPE, Polycarbonate, Vespel, Meldin, Torlon & other industrial products. 


Professional Plastics was established in 1984' and has an annual turnover in excess of $ 100 million dollars.

Customers and job applicants are welcome to contact Professional Plastics for further details.

For more information, contact:
George Taylor g.taylor@proplas.com or John Casey j.casey@proplas.com . 

Professional Plastics, Inc.
5500 South Cobb Dr
Building # 400-1
Smyrna, GA. 30080
Local Phone: (888) 259-9641
Local Fax: (770)739-1131
www.professionalplastics.com

Fluorosint® HPV Wear Resistant, FDA-Compliant PTFE Bearing Material

Fluorosint® HPV PTFE - Most Wear Resistant Fluorosint Grade - Outlasts Low-Tech PTFE Based Materials.

Quadrant's FDA-compliant Fluorosint HPV is a mica-filled high-performance bearing grade that can deliver a pressure velocity (PV) performance improvement of more than 40 per cent over other PTFE materials according to in-house tests conducted by Quadrant. Parts made of Fluorosint HPV can withstand higher loads and velocities while delivering better wear resistance, enabling the part to last longer compared to existing FDA-compliant PTFE-based materials. The product was specially developed to meet the demands of high-performance bearing applications where other, low-technology PTFE formulations would exhibit premature wear or not perform adequately. These characteristics, together with FDA compliance for food and pharmaceutical applications, open up interesting new options for engineers and manufacturers. Simply put, parts machined from Fluorosint HPV last longer than those made from many of the alternative filled PTFE materials on the market today. Fluorosint HPV can replace bronze, steel and powdered metal parts and deliver performance gains in wear life and system performance. Typical applications include thrust washers, wear guides, seals and food processing and preparation equipment.

FDA compliant Fluorosint HPV PTFE is a high performance bearing grade of Fluorosint - optimized for high PV and very low "K" or wear factor. Fluorosint HPV PTFE was developed for bearing applications where other, low-tech PTFE formulations exhibit premature wear or simply cannot perform. FDA compliance gives food and pharmaceutical equipment manufacturers new design options and all benefit from its excellent load bearing and wear characteristics.
Features of Fluorosint® HPV PTFE:

Most Wear Resistant Fluorosint Grade - Outlasts Low-tech PTFE Based Materials

FDA compliant

Optimized for high PV and very low "K" or wear factor.

Developed for bearing applications where other low-tech PTFE formulations exhibit premature wear.

Typical applications include thrust washers, wear guides, seals and food processing and preparation equipment.

Professional Plastics supplies a full range of Fluorosint products through their 16 locations throughout the USA and Singapore.  Complete technical data and pricing is available online at:  http://www.professionalplastics.com/FluorosintHPV

Plexiglass Patio Table Tops - PatioGlass® Replacement Glass

Plexiglass Patio Table Tops are sold under the PatioGlass® brand by Professional Plastics, Inc.  Tabletop replacement glass is custom-made to your exact size and specifications in either round, square or rectangular shapes.  These tabletops are produced on-demand in your preferred color and texture.   PatioGlass® table top replacement glass is a cost-effective way of extending the life of your patio furniture.


PatioGlass ® Acrylic Table Tops come in Five Standard Types & Finishes:

Acrylic DP-32 (FFV) Patterned Acrylic Sheet -            

Clear Acrylic Plexiglass (looks like glass) (no texture) - Click to View Image

Bronze # 2370 Solar Tint Acrylic (no texture) - Click to View Image

Opaque Black # 2025 (high-end style !!) (glossy, no texture) Click to View Image

Mirrored Acrylic

Repair damaged patio furniture, or update the look of your older patio tables.

PatioGlass Patio Table Tops are 17 Times More Impact Resistant Than Glass !

Stronger, yet more Lightweight than standard factory glass table tops !!

Order Online at: http://www.professionalplastics.com/PlexiglassPatioTableTops

Request a custom quote by e-mail to sales@proplas.com