Performance Plastics

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  • What is Torlon? – Performance Plastics

    Performance Plastics’ Senior Design Engineer, Brian Black, walks through the key points of injection molding Torlon®.

    Torlon
    PAI (Polyamidimide) Torlon®

    Torlon® is a high strength, high performance, melt processable plastic material. It’s ability to perform under severe stress combined with its resistance to elevated temperatures makes it ideal for various applications across many industries

    Solvay Torlon® features superior creep resistance and mechanical strength over a wide range of temperatures and a very low coefficient of linear thermal expansion. It is an amorphous material with a glass transition temperature of 537°F.  Torlon’s resistance to chemicals, high-energy radiation, hydrolysis, and UV combined with its ability to maintain physical properties under extreme temperatures make Torlon® ideal for applications exposed to severe environments.

    Torlon® is optimal for parts that need to perform under conditions generally considered too severe for thermoplastics. Typical applications include aircraft hardware and fasteners, automotive transmission and powertrain components, and oil & gas exploration and recovery equipment. The material’s excellent electrical insulating properties have made it a common choice for semiconductor fabrication and testing as well as electrical and electronic components.

    Typical Applications Include:

    • Semi-conductor machinery parts
    • Aerospace components
    • Pump and Valve parts
    • Compressor Components
    • High Temperature Insulators

    At Performance Plastics, we are experts in injection molding, specializing in high performance plastics.  Torlon® is a reactive polymer, which can cause complications during the injection molding process. A specific set of conditions, equipment, and processing procedures must be followed to effectively injection mold Torlon®. Our proprietary tool design software, processes and equipment enables us to injection mold components having complex geometries made from challenging ultra, high-performance thermoplastic materials, and reinforced compounds.

    We utilize a unique combination of extensive material knowledge, mold flow analysis, a design system and process expertise to eliminate or minimize the need for secondary operations. Our expertise in process control allows us to effectively injection mold Torlon® in parts with extremely tight tolerances. This gives us the ability to provide an injection molded part made from the highest strength and stiffness of any commercial thermoplastic.

    Torlon® is one of the many high performance polymers Performance Plastics manufacturers.  For more information on Performance Plastic’s capabilities, please contact Rich Reed, our Vice President of Sales and Marketing at 513.321.8404 or email at rreed@performanceplastics.com.

  • EnduroSharp® Kits Make Preventive Maintenance Quick & Efficient

    Adhering to a preventive maintenance plan is the number one recommendation of most experts. The current business atmosphere has idled many military, commercial and business aviation programs.  Travel restrictions have caused a huge decline in flying, with many planes put in extended storage. However, best practices dictate that preventive maintenance should not be postponed, even during a pandemic.

    In general, the experts recommend keeping aircraft ready to fly in case needs arise such as increased demand, humanitarian flights or other needs They emphasized the importance of storing the aircraft properly, out of the elements in proper working condition.

    Experts urge maintainers to review OEM guidance on flight-ready and long-term storage, saying that just walking away from the aircraft probably does not comply with manufacturers’ maintenance instructions.

    When storing an aircraft, experts suggest the following preventive maintenance::

    • Use pitot tubes and engine covers, as appropriate, to keep insects, birds and rodents out of those orifices
    • Remove and replace adhesives and sealants regularly to prevent leakage.
    • Exercise the aircraft regularly by conducting a preflight check and normal start-up procedures
    • Allow the aircraft to run long enough to check all systems, update databases, etc.

    Performance Plastics, in partnership with various suppliers, has developed a suite of tools packaged in convenient cases for aircraft maintainers to assist in the quick and efficient removal of adhesives/sealants on aircraft structures.

    The EnduroSharp® line of non-marring maintenance tools are ideal for use in regular preventive maintenance.  Our ABNIR and ABNIR Fly Away Kits are designed for routine maintenance and are recommended by OEMs for their ability to complete the task without harming the substrates.

    The entire line of EnduroSharp® maintenance tools are competitively priced and are designed to be economical and reusable.  From scraper blades, reamers, and gap blades, EnduroSharp® tools offer a proven solution.

    For more information on the EnduroSharp® line of non-marring maintenance tools, please contact Rich Reed, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at rreed@performanceplastics.com.

     

  • Performance Plastics is pleased to announce the promotion of Taylor LaValley to Production Control Manager.  

    Performance Plastics is pleased to announce the promotion of Taylor LaValley to Production Control Manager.   Taylor has been with Performance Plastics for over 3 years, most recently as a Tooling Engineer, and will have responsibility overseeing the production schedule of our plant.

    “Taylor has been with Performance Plastics through our recent growth and has brought a fresh perspective to our operations,” said Chris Lawson, Chief Operating Officer.  “Shifting Taylor to this new role is a statement of our commitment to expand our capabilities, increase team efficiency provide and improve overall lead times.   We are excited that Taylor has accepted the challenge of a new role.”

    Taylor LaValley is a native of southeastern Ohio and attended Shawnee State University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Polymer/Plastics Engineering.  He brings to Performance Plastics previous experience as a plant manager for a packaging company in Texas.  He has acquired experience by working with many departments within our organization as a tooling engineer and possesses valuable knowledge of the workings of our proprietary processes.

    Taylor stated, “I am excited for the new challenge of working with our staff to reduce lead time and increase overall customer satisfaction” stated La Valley.  “I plan to work with all the members of our team to explore and implement new process improvement strategies and technologies”.

    Performance Plastics, located in Cincinnati, OH  is a custom injection molder of high performance, tight tolerance thermoplastic components for markets where failure is not an option, including Medical, Energy, Aerospace/Defense, and Industrial.

  • What is PFA and What Is It Used For?

    PFA plastic (perfluoroalkoxy) is a tough, flexible fluoropolymer that is used for flexible and reusable medical equipment pharmaceutical and semi-con devices when chemical resistance, high purity, and flexibility are required.

    PFA plastic is generally used for medical, pharmaceutical and semi-conductor plastics due to its extreme resistance to chemical attack, optical transparency, and overall flexibility. Keeping material purity is of critical importance in most injection molding applications, but particularly the medical, pharmaceutical and semi-conductor industries.

    Devices used for medical, pharmaceutical measurement and semi-conductor are frequently exposed to harsh biological and chemical elements. Parts manufactured or coated in PFA materials provide good resistance and are an effective solution for avoiding contamination.

    PFA is such an optimal material, that in some cases it can even replace stainless steel in medical devices.   PFA handles high temperatures and pressure well and is resistant to biological impurities. PFA is a go-to option for moving elements in medical devices because of its stiffness and long life, while providing flexibility and resistance to cracks

    Many PFAs are used in pharmaceutical industry because of mandated regulations for process component materials. PFA is very versatile in how parts can be manufactured, and it lends itself well to extrusion, injection molding, transfer molding,  blow molding and compression molding.  You will often see PFA in lab equipment because of its outstanding chemical inertness and flexibility.

    PFA resins are fully fluorinated polymers specifically designed for the high demanding applications of the semi-con industry.  The high purity composition of PFA addresses the requirement for minimum extractables while proving improved flex life and excellent chemical stress crack resistance.

    PFA Properties

    • Chemically stable
    • Dielectric strength
    • Non-flammable
    • Chemical resistance
    • Anti-stick properties
    • Low friction
    • FDA approved
    • High purity
    • UV Resistant
    • Translucent
    • Low moisture absorption

    PFA is one of the many advanced fluoropolymers Performance Plastics can mold within extremely tight tolerances.  For more information, please contact Rich Reed, Vice President of sales and marketing at 513.321.8404 or rreed@performanceplastics.com.

     

     

  • Product Spotlight – EnduroSharp® Torlon® Scraper Blade & Holder Kit with Pneumatic Tool

    EnduroSharp® has changed the way aerospace maintenance professionals remove sealants and adhesives from substrates and fasteners. EnduroSharp® tools are made from Torlon®, a high strength polymer, creating a non-metallic gap blade tool that will not damage composite structures during use. The EnduroSharp® lineup consists of a variety of scraper blades, gap blades, reamers, cutters, bits, and discs for removal of adhesives on aircrafts. The product line includes a variety of kits containing all the parts and sizes.

    Scraper blades are designed for use in larger areas where a gap blade is too small. Made from a non-marring Torlon® material the blades are a quick, safe and effective method of removing sealants and adhesives from composite structures. Add the optional pneumatic tool to make the removal even quicker and more efficient.
    The EnduroSharp® Scraper Blade & Holder Kit is one of the most popular kits offered.

    This Kit contains:
    The kit comes complete with a standard scraper blade holder, pocket handle, and 10 EnduroSharp® Torlon® Scraper Blades (2 of each size: TSB-170, TSB230, TSB-500, TSB-750, and TSB-1200).

    The EnduroSharp® Scraper Blade & Holder kit is just one of the many kits offered in the EnduroSharp® Product line. Contact Rich Reed for our Vice President of Sales and Marketing, at (513) 321-8404 or RReed@performanceplastics.com, more information on our EnduroSharp® kits and products.

  • Performance Plastics – Specialists in Metal to Plastic Conversion

    carbon fiber filled PEEK thermoplastic gear
    Proprietary impregnated PEEK distributor gear for improved performance and useful life

    Metals have been the first choice of design engineers for almost three centuries. Developments in highly engineered thermoplastics materials are challenging that dominance. The aerospace and automotive industries have led the charge in this dramatic changeover, initially driven by the need to reduce weight to gain fuel efficiency. Advanced thermoplastic and thermoset systems, including fiber reinforced compositions, are now finding their way into almost every industry.
    PEEK is a mainstay material for a growing variety of applications in many different industries. Its popularity is due to excellent friction and wear characteristics, extended durability under punishing environmental conditions, including high temperatures, abrasion and aggressive chemical environments.

    Unfilled PEEK resins emit extremely low levels of smoke and toxic gas when exposed to a flame. Glass and carbon reinforced PEEK resins offer high thermal stability and are among the strongest thermoplastics in the market.
    PEEK has a long list of outstanding characteristics making it one of the most popular alternatives to metal:

    • High mechanical strength and dimensional stability
    • Excellent resistance to harsh chemicals
    • High wear resistance
    • Low coefficient of friction; high abrasion and cut-through resistance
    • Excellent performance at high temperatures

    Performance Plastics uses various grades of PEEK resin as metal replacements in applications where few other fluoropolymers would be considered. PEEK is widely used in industries such as: aerospace (commercial and defense), automotive, marine, industrial and energy (fossil fuel and renewable). To discover how PEEK polymer resins can make the transition from metal to thermoplastic easier, please visit our website at https://stg-performanceplastics-stage.kinsta.cloud/capabilities/polymer-seals or contact Rich Reed, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, at (513) 321-8404 or RReed@performanceplastics.com

  • Product Spotlight – EnduroSharp® Torlon® Gap Filler Removal Bits (Part 2)

    EnduroSharp® has changed the way aerospace maintenance professionals remove sealants and adhesives from substrates and fasteners. EnduroSharp® tools are made from Torlon®, a high strength polymer, creating a non-metallic tool that will not damage composite structures during use. The EnduroSharp® lineup consists of a variety of scraper blades, gap blades, reamers, cutters, bits, and discs for removal of adhesives on aircrafts. The product line also includes a variety of kits containing a selection of parts and sizes.

    Traditionally, aerospace maintenance professional removed sealants and adhesives from from gaps utilizing solvents and/or abrasive scraper tools.  Solvents are very dangerous in that they may dissolve non intended materials, and also produce hazardous fumes.  Abrasive scraper tools are often hard to control and may cause unintended substrate damage.

    EnduroSharp® Torlon® Gap Filler Removal (GFR) Bits are designed for use with an ergonomically-designed pneumatic tool. The tools provide aerospace maintenance professionals with an effective method of safely removing flexibilized epoxy gap materials from gaps and epoxy fillers from fasteners without damaging composite substructures and fasteners.

    EnduroSharp® Torlon® Gap Filler Removal (GFR) Bits are available in a spiral single fluted, 1.70″ X 0.162″ configuration and shipped 10 parts per box.

    The EnduroSharp® Torlon® Gap Filler Removal Bits are just one of the many different items offered in the EnduroSharp® product line. Contact Rich Reed our Vice President of Sales and Marketing, at (513) 321-8404 or RReed@performanceplastics.com,  for more information on our EnduroSharp® kits and products.

  • Performance Plastics’ Project Development Roadmap

    Performance Plastics is a leader in providing innovative production solutions for our customers.  We have the opportunity to work on many new projects annually and follow a process guideline called our “Project Development Roadmap”.  This process is formatted in a way that everyone involved has a clear view and set expectations.

    It has been our experience that the launch of a new product can be an overwhelming event for most companies.  Product innovation, testing, proving, and marketing all take toll. Performance Plastics works as a partner on projects to ensure successful outcomes. We go out of our way to make the process as smooth as possible.

    With every new opportunity, we use our Product Development Roadmap to identify steps and milestones to ensure a successful project:

    • Set initial guidelines on budget, minimum quantity, investment, and contractual time commitments.

    Before any true collaboration can begin, there truly must be a meeting of the minds.  We want to respect the customer and have the customer respect our process in turn.  Budget, quantities, and projected time frame are all key components of a true understanding.

    • Agreement on conceptual design and function of mold

    Everyone truly needs to understand what the project needs to accomplish.  Often in times of negotiation, companies are so focused on details that the reason for the project gets lost.  We are Performance Plastics like to begin with the end in mind.  We begin with the required product outcome and work backwards.

    • Customer to issue PO

    This is where our process is very different from the competition.  While some companies will perform the initial part design without a PO, we want the customer to be fully engaged in this process.  Our engineers work hand in hand with our partner’s engineers to solve the issues and meet the deliverables.  We require our customers to buy into the project, which requires commitment, time, and money.

    • PPL to perform initial part DFM (Design for Manufacturing), using mold fill, cooling, and warpage analysis to optimize part design. PPL to request customer approval.

    The design for manufacturability is the general engineering practice of designing products in such a way that they are easy to manufacture.  But easy to manufacture does not always produce the best result.  We collaborate with our customers to design molds in ways that meet the expectations and requirements of the project, addressing mold fill, cooling, and warpage analysis data.

    • Customer to approve the initial DFM and ok PPL to launch mold design.

    Keeping expectations in mind, we pause our process and perform an in-depth review with our customers.  At this point we re-evaluate the outcomes, make the needed modifications and engage in an open dialog regarding process improvements.

    • PPL to provide final DFM design to customer for approval.

     Taking in account modifications from the initial DFM, we then present out final version for the customer for them to independently verify and approve.  This is the final step at which we have open discussions on revisions, changes and process improvements.

    • Upon approval, PPL to launch mold construction.

    Only after all these steps do we begin the mold construction.  We want to make sure all our parameters are satisfied in all design elements and deliverables before we begin construction.

    It has been our experience that the more time we spend getting the process laid out correctly in the beginning, the fewer problems we will have when we begin production.  We want to make sure the whole team has clear expectations of the project guidelines, timeframes, and outcomes.

    For more information on our “Project Development Roadmap”, or any Performance Plastics’ projects, please contact Rich Reed, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at rreed@performanceplastics.com or 513.321.8404.

  • Product Spotlight – EnduroSharp® Torlon® Adhesive Cutters

    Product Spotlight – EnduroSharp® Torlon® Adhesive Cutters (TAC)

    EnduroSharp® has changed the way aerospace maintenance professionals remove sealants and adhesives from substrates and fasteners. EnduroSharp® tools are made from Torlon®, a high strength polymer, creating a non-metallic tool that will not damage composite structures during use. The EnduroSharp® lineup consists of a variety of scraper blades, gap blades, reamers, cutters, bits, and discs for removal of adhesives on aircrafts. The product line also includes a variety of kits containing a selection of parts and sizes.

    Cutters traditionally are used for enlarging, cleaning or preparing surfaces with cylindric or conical shape.  But most common cutters are made of materials such as steel, carbide or ceramics and tend to damage complex composite materials.

    The EnduroSharp® Torlon® Adhesive Cutters (TAC) are designed to be used with the standard (non-segmented) and tetherable (segmented) mandrels.  They can also be used with electric (corded and battery powered) and pneumatic drills rated at 600 RPM or less.  TAC tools are available in boxes of 10, or as part of the EnduroSharp® surface preparation kits.

    The EnduroSharp® Torlon® Adhesive Reamers are just one of the many different items offered in the EnduroSharp® Product line. Contact Rich Reed our Vice President of Sales and Marketing, at (513) 321-8404 or RReed@performanceplastics.com,  for more information on our EnduroSharp® kits and products.

  • Injection Molded Peek Seals

    Performance Plastics offers the expertise and technology to produce net shape seals in high-performance materials such as PEEK.  PEEK (polyetheretherketone) polymer is a high-performance thermoplastic material with outstanding mechanical, thermal and chemical resistance properties

    Seals have been used since ancient times and have evolved into a wide variety of shapes and materials. Mechanical seals are used to seal the openings of and joints between mechanisms to contain pressure and form a barrier to prevent the fluid (water or oil) used by a machine from leaking to the external environment.  Commonly used in pumps, motors, and compressors, seals are one of the most essential components to ensure a machine operates reliably and effectively.

    PEEK is an organic thermoplastic polymer that offers excellent mechanical and chemical resistance properties for applications that are maintained at high temperatures. PEEK seals can be heated, cooled, and heated again without degradation since they are composed of thermoplastic materials.

    PEEK polymer seals are well suited for demanding applications such as aerospace, automotive, and medical because of their robustness. They offer outstanding chemical resistance over a wide range of temperatures and are an excellent option for extreme applications where failure is not an option.  Performance Plastics’ team of experienced engineers possess the expertise to design technically challenging seals and offer complex solutions across a wide range of industries.

    For more information on how Performance Plastics can solve your seal selection   challenges, please contact Rich Reed, VP Sales & Marketing at 513.321.8404 or rreed@performanceplastics.com.