Product category:
Materials and components
News Release from: Victrex USA | Subject: Victrex Peek polymer
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 14 March 2007
Technology enables the injection
moulding of hooks
Aplix added Victrex Peek polymer to its resin portfolio because of its high-temperature resistance, enhanced stiffness and sterilisability.
When Aplix developed a new method of moulding a field of hooks within an injection moulded part, it added Victrex Peek polymer to its resin portfolio because of the polymer's high-temperature resistance, enhanced stiffness and sterilisability Using the high-performance thermoplastic in its patented Inter-mould technology has enabled Aplix to produce a new generation of hook and loop systems for applications in a broad range of industries including hygiene, automotive, aerospace, packaging and more
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 31 Dec 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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The Inter-mould hooks are moulded simultaneously with the plastic part and made out of the same resin.
The hooks are, therefore, subject to the same specifications as the finished product - such as resistance to humidity, high temperature, chemicals and sterilisation.
The field of hooks can be designed in any shape and size and located anywhere on the moulded part.
Further reading
Polymer ring keeps compressors running longer
Looking for ways to reduce compressor downtime in the petrochemical and natural gas industries, Cook Manley developed a novel compressor valve using Victrex Peek polymer for the seal ring component.
Polymer resists cold flow
When GemcoValve Company decided to replace the PTFE bushings on its Model P21 high performance spherical disc valves, it chose Victrex Peek polymer because of its strength and resistance to cold flow.
This ensures high design flexibility and high performance in many different adjustable fastening systems.
Using the Inter-mould technology enables the injection moulding of readily deformable hooks that are an integral part of the plastic component - similar to a rib or cross rivet.
This process includes a tool insert which can be readily mounted on a mould and in which the hook moulds are integrated.
During the ejection process the hooks are temporarily straightened.
When cooled down, the parts return to their original shape.
In the aviation, aerospace and automotive industries, Victrex Peek polymer is used primarily because of its continuous temperature resistance up to 260C as well as its enhanced stiffness.
The polymer is very stable in fire and demonstrates low smoke and gas emissions.
It requires no flame-retardant additive to meet the V-0 classification of UL94 at 1.45mm specimen thickness for the fire test.
In addition, the polymer offers excellent chemical and solvent resistance.
In the hygiene market, where sterilisation of products is of primary importance, Victrex Peek polymer offers excellent hydrolysis resistance.
It resists the aggressive media and hot-steam sterilisation that equipment and devices must undergo to be regularly cleaned and sterilised.
Even storage for 2000 hours at 200C and a pressure of 1.4MPa does not lead to any significant changes in mechanical properties.
The polymer is inherently pure with very low levels of extractable ions - only the lowest quantities of ionic constituents were determined by mass spectroscopy after specimens were stored in deionised water at 55C for 24 hours.
The same hot-steam sterilisation and high purity properties make Victrex Peek polymer an ideal choice for medical applications.
In addition, it provides an excellent substitute for metal and is completely non-magnetic.
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