MATERIALS.

TPE alloy compound

Versaflex thermoplastic elastomer alloys continue to find increased usage among manufacturers of power tools and other industrial applications, according to the company. An example of this is an overmolding application for a palm-sized sanding tool. The TPE alloy material, which is supplied natural and then colored a deep red, has a 50 Shore A hardness. It is designed for multishot molding or insert overmolding onto a variety of substrates such as nylon 6/6, nylon 6 and nylon 12. It is said to provide an ergonomic soft touch feel to a variety of applications. Among the high performance Versaflex grades offered by the company are compounds which offer clarity, high heat resistance, overmolding capabilities, a silky feel, wet grip or lightweight grip. Various overmolding grades of the Versaflex TPE alloy are available for different substrates, including nylon, polypropylene, polycarbonate, ABS, PC/ABS blends, propionate or copolyester. (GLS)

Circle 110 on card

Liquid colors for TPEs

This supplier of liquid color systems has introduced some of the latest technology in liquid colors for thermoplastics. Among the company's products are liquid colorant systems for extrusion, injection molding and blow molding; specialized color systems for PET and other resins; liquid color additive packages; complete liquid color systems, including custom-matched liquid colors, containerization and advanced metering equipment for accurate and controlled color dispensing; and FDA, EEC and HPB compliant colorants. (ColorMatrix)

Circle 111 on card

Mold rubber compounds

Evergreen Series mold robber compounds are said to represent a new direction in urethane rubber mold technology. Evergreen mold rubbers contain no free isocyanates, TDI, MDI, MOCA or mercury. They were developed in response to customer requests for urethane mold rubbers that are both user friendly and environmentally friendly. The Evergreen Series is currently available in Shore A hardnesses of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60. They do not shrink and feature convenient mix ratios of either 1A:1B or 2A:1B by volume. Compared to conventional urethane mold rubbers, Evergreen rubbers are said to exhibit superior release properties when casting polyester, urethane and other types of resins. These robbers are also good for casting plaster and concrete, but are not currently recommended for wax casting, according to the manufacturer. Evergreen rubbers also feature lower viscosities than any other urethane rubber, and require no vacuum de-gassing. Evergreen rubbers can be poured against, fully cured. Evergreen rubber without delaminating, which has traditionally been a problem with other urethane elastomers, according to the company. Evergreen mold rubbers are said to be suitable for a variety of applications. (Smooth-On)

Circle 112 on card

Cellular foam urethanes

Durethane F cellular foam urethane elastomers are available for applications requiring excellent compression set, elongation and tear characteristics, according to the company. A chemically blown urethane foam, Durethane F is said to exhibit high dampening properties and tensile modulus. Durethane F can be custom formulated according to customers' specific application requirements, to offer the desired coefficient of friction, abrasion resistance, hardness and density. With a larger, less uniform cell structure than microcellular Durethane M, this self-cleaning, non-glazing cellular foam is said to replicate the performance of a solid, providing the flexibility of a foam. (Mearthane Products)

Circle 113 on card

Lubricant/release agent

The Aqualift line of water-based, semi-permanent lubricant/release agents is based on a unique chemistry that delivers excellent unloading rinseability and water washability for formed hosing, according to the manufacturer. The environmentally friendly, water-based product, already used in production, is said to be suitable for tube and lube applications which can be applied to the inner liner of hose as it is extruded. The Aqualift products do not run, sag or drip, and are said to provide a thorough coating to the inner jacket. Some other releases used previously in the industry have typically had problematic characteristics, such as water washability and adverse dermatological side effects, according to the company. (Franklynn Industries)

Circle 114 on card

Silicone rubber compound

A global manufacturer of polymer insulators has developed its own highly-effective silicone rubber compound for molding high-voltage components, according to the company. The custom-formulated material is said to bring the finished insulator benefits that include long-term water repellency, excellent dielectric properties, impact resistance and weatherability. In formulating the proprietary compound, the customer begins with a silicone base material, a high-consistency rubber (HCR) from this silicone manufacturer. The customer then blends in a specific combination of additives to deliver outstanding durability and superior electrical performance, according to the company. One of the first companies to offer both EPDM and silicone materials in distribution class insulators, the customer now manufactures a variety of polymeric components, including dead-end suspension insulators, line posts and station posts. The trend in the polymer insulator industry is said to be shifting toward silicone. Weathershed profiles made with silicone are said to perform better than those made with EPDM in every respect, according to the customer. Because of the outstanding performance of the silicone formulation, specifiers have been able to justify the small difference in price between the two polymer options, according to the customer. (Dow Corning)

Circle 115 on card