Polymer provides base for connector mouldings

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Sep 11, 2002

Greene, Tweed and Co has specified Victrex Peek-HT high-temperature polymer as the base for its Arlon 2000 used in its 8-pin SealConnect connector mouldings.

Greene, Tweed and Co, a leading manufacturer of specialty seals and high precision engineered plastic components, has specified Victrex Peek-HT high-temperature polymer as the base for its Arlon 2000 used in its 8-pin SealConnect connector mouldings.

Specifically developed for use in oilfield exploration and production, these connectors are designed to withstand prolonged exposure to an applied pressure of 138MPa at 204C.

Short-term exposure to pressures of 172MPa at 260C is also possible.

Fully tested and proven in down hole and sub-sea environments, Victrex Peek-HT polymer was selected because it provides long-term product reliability when exposed to the extremes of temperature and pressure in these operating conditions.

This is complemented by cost-effectiveness and the materials ability to provide high precision part reproducibility.

Greene, Tweed's Arlon 2000 based on Victrex Peek-HT is a high performance thermoplastic ideal for overmoulding conductive pins to create a void-free connector, completely isolating the conductor.

The material has good mechanical strength and very consistent properties throughout its operating temperature range.

The SealConnect connector is designed to operate within a very tight space.

Compared with conventional hermetic connectors, which use glass, ceramic and metal parts, this state-of-the-art connector features a single Victrex Peek-HT polymer component which is injection moulded and machine-finished to meet precise tolerances.

This manufacturing process has eliminated product failure caused by traditional assembly and secondary operations, and provides cost-effective opportunities for design modification, tooling and prototyping.

While offering all of the high performance characteristics of natural Victrex Peek polymer, Victrex Peek-HT polymer has been specifically developed to provide superior high temperature performance.

With a glass transition temperature of 157C and a melt temperature of 374C, it retains mechanical and physical properties at temperatures that are up to 30C higher than traditional Victrex Peek polymer.

It also delivers up to three times the wear resistance, substantially higher tensile strength, flexural modulus at 250C and long-term creep and fatigue resistance over a wide temperature range.

For many applications that demand extreme heat performance, Victrex Peek-HT polymer offers manufacturers a more cost-effective, lightweight alternative to metals.

From engine compartment components and headlamp reflectors, to heat exchanger parts and industrial valve linings, this unique engineering material provides unlimited design freedom, consistent reproducibility and long-term product reliability in the most hostile of environments.

It is available as powder, Victrex Peek-HT P22, or as granules, Victrex Peek-HT G22.