Materials shorten production cycles

A DSM Engineering Plastics product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jul 10, 2007

Akulon XP is a highly viscous PA6 which delivers substantial productivity gains during processing of packaging films.

DSM Engineering Plastics has introduced a range of high-flow and high-productivity materials, which enable significant system cost reductions when compared to standard resins.

Added value for the customer is generated by these materials via shorter production cycles leading to lower processing costs per part, greater design freedom leading to lower material and/or processing costs per part and more room for innovation, such as metal replacement.

To demonstrate the potential for cost reduction and annual savings, DSM Engineering Plastics is able to provide customers with product cost analysis spreadsheet tools.

Key new materials that have been introduced are: Akulon XP - HV PA6 for packaging applications; Akulon Ultraflow - PA6 for injection moulding applications; and Stanyl High Flow and Super Flow - PA46 for injection moulding applications.

Akulon XP is a highly viscous PA6 which delivers substantial productivity gains during processing of packaging films.

Key benefits include less "neck-in" or side trim, as well as improved machine efficiency.

Akulon XP offers better web stability for higher production speed, improved layer thickness distribution to reduce material use and deliver better quality, a wider processing window, reducing down time and providing higher possible output as well as shear thinning, requiring lower motor power at high rev/min and higher outputs.

Akulon XP is also suitable for thermoforming processes.

It has an improved thermoformability compared to standard PA6, since it exhibits more even thickness patterns in the corners and it allows a higher elongation.

Overall, Akulon XP is able to deliver a significant reduction in system costs.

Due to to their excellent flowability (80% more flow compared to standard PA6) Akulon Ultraflow PA6 grades yield around 25% cycle time reduction and great surface appearances, especially for highly re-inforced grades.

This results in higher productivity, lower investment costs, greater freedom of design and more opportunities for metal replacement.

Akulon Ultraflow is available in different grades: 15-60% GF, 30-40% GF/mineral, FR/mineral and FR/GF.

Akulon Ultraflow has been approved in almost all automotive applications, including critical ones such as air bag containers.

Key applications include miniature circuit breakers and contactors and there are many possible applications in both consumer goods and industrial goods.

Stanyl PA46 is already the high-temperature polyamide of choice for demanding, innovative connector designs.

Cost savings can be achieved through shorter cycle times, superior strength and ductility, and high regrind rates without excessive loss of flammability and mechanical properties.

The introduction of Stanyl High Flow and Stanyl Super Flow provides opportunities for even greater processing and performance benefits.

Stanyl Super Flow was co-developed with leading connector manufacturers to provide a suitable alternative to High Flow LCP.