Performance Plastics

Blog

  • PPL Receives It’s ISO 9001-2015 Renewal

    Performance Plastics LLC is pleased to announce the renewal of our ISO 9001:2015 certification, valid from March 2021 through March 2024. The ISO 9001:2015 Standard for Quality Management System is applicable to all our processes including development, sales, production, service and after sales.

    At Performance Plastics, our Quality Policy revolves around ensuring that requirements are met while continually improving our Quality Management System. Creating customer satisfaction is our number one goal. The ISO 9001 standard is based on several quality management principals including a strong customer focus, the motivation and implementation of top management, the process approach and continual improvement. ISO 9001 ensures that customers get consistent, good-quality products and services, which in turn ensures your satisfaction. Each of our custom projects receives the same attention to quality.

    Performance Plastics, located in Cincinnati, OH has over 30 years’ experience in molding tight tolerance advanced plastics such as Fluoropolymers (FEP/PFA Torlon, Peek & Ultem) for many industries. We have developed proprietary processes enabling injection molding of parts that are thin walled, with tight dimensional tolerances, and complex geometries. For more information and solutions, please contact Rich Reed, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at 513-321-8404 or email rreed@performanceplastics.com.

  • Advantages of Industrial CT Scanning in the Design Process

    As you’re designing and manufacturing your next application, wouldn’t it be ideal if you could analyze all the parts, compare them to the original drawings and get results quickly, without damaging your samples? At Performance Plastics, we offer the services of industrial computed tomography (CT) scan. This provides us the ability to measure all aspects of your part, without having to damage it.

    Industrial CT scanning in the design process gives you access to the inner workings of a part without having to destroy the original. The scanner rotates the part 360 degrees and uses X-rays to create a precise 3D model. This allows for a thorough analysis of object dimensions, porosity, wall thickness, assembly defects, comprehensive comparisons, and reverse engineering.

    The CT scan can then be compared to the CAD model and to other parts. In addition, it can easily analyze surface variations and provide cross sections to reveal hidden features.

    Performance Plastics now offer a variety of CT scan-related services:

    • Part-to-CAD comparisons create a precise overlay of the scanned part to the original 3D part model database
    • Part-to-part comparisons provide an overlay of two scanned parts to reveal dimensional deviation
    • Void and inclusion analysis provide material and defect analysis showing void or inclusion size and locations
    • Wall thickness analysis measures slight changes in the wall stock of complex parts without destructive testing
    • Dimensional analysis provides full article inspections and reporting
    • Reverse engineering capabilities that generate a 3D CAD file

    Performance Plastics, located in Cincinnati, OH has over 30 years’ experience in molding tight tolerance advanced plastics such as Fluoropolymers (FEP/PFA Torlon, Peek & Ultem) for many industries.  We have developed proprietary processes enabling injection molding of parts that are thin walled, with tight dimensional tolerances, and complex geometries. For more information and solutions, please contact Rich Reed, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at 513-321-8404 or email rreed@performanceplastics.com.

  • Designing and Molding Complex Plastic Parts

    Every project has its own needs and goals.  Complex geometries involving fine details or sharp corners often cannot be achieved by traditional plastic molding. Advanced plastic injection molding processes allow designers to combine numerous complex features into a single component, reducing the need for secondary machining or surface finishing operations.

    Plastic Injection molding allows design freedom not easily matched by other traditional processes.  Performance Plastics’ augments the latest software tools including solid modeling, mold flow analysis and finite element analysis with an internally developed iterative tool design approach to deliver complex geometries and densities superior to most other operations.

    Our tooling modification process results in best in class part tolerances, particularly useful in molding mission critical parts where dimensional attributes need to be extremely precise.  We use this approach to produce net shape molded parts of exceptional quality, eliminating or significantly reducing secondary matching operations resulting in material and process cost savings.

    Performance Plastics, located in Cincinnati, OH has over 30 years’ experience in molding tight tolerance advanced plastics such as Fluoropolymers (FEP/PFA Torlon, Ryton plastic, Peek & Ultem) for many industries.  We have developed proprietary processes enabling injection molding of parts that are thin walled, with tight dimensional tolerances, and complex geometries.

    For more information and solutions, please contact Rich Reed, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at 513-321-8404 or email rreed@performanceplastics.com.

  • Introducing the EnduroSharp® ABNIR “Fly Away” Compact Surface Prep Kit

     

    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 non-metallic tools that will not damage composite structures during use.

    The new, ABNIR “Fly Away” Compact Surface Prep Kit features a selection of commonly used tools with an improved design. Featuring a smaller, compact case, it is easier to store and is an efficient tool kit for aircraft maintenance. The tools are ideal to remove adhesives, sealants and coatings from aircraft structures.

    The patented EnduroSharp® lineup consists of a variety of scraper blades, gap blades, reamers, cutter, bits, and discs for removal of substances on aircraft, windmill blades, boat/marine and automotive.
    Performance Plastics is a custom precision injection molder of high performance, tight tolerance thermoplastic components. We specialize in geometrically complex precision parts that consist of chemically inert materials. Our expertise led to the development of our patented EnduroSharp® line of Aircraft Maintenance Tools.
    For more information on the Enhanced EnduroSharp® Pocket Handle, or any of our EnduroSharp® product line, please contact Rich Reed at rreed@performanceplastics.com or our website at www.stg-performanceplastics-stage.kinsta.cloud.

  • PEEK Molded Plastic is Taking the Place of Metal

     

    Performance Plastics provides a solution to avoid metal when designing your new part. Perfecting injection molding processes since 1980, PPL has an extensive knowledge of how to create plastic parts equivalent to metal. A high-performance plastic, such as Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), is ideal for parts that demand the high strength of metal, while also being lightweight and resistant to corrosion.

    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 long-term creep and fatigue properties
    • Excellent resistance to harsh chemicals
    • Withstands a wide range of acids and bases; high resistance to hydrocarbons and organic solvents
    • High wear resistance
    • Low coefficient of friction; high abrasion and cut-through resistance
    • Low moisture absorption and permeability
    • Resistant to high-pressure steam, fresh water and salt water
    • Excellent performance at high temperatures
    • Suitable for continuous-use temperatures up to 500°F
    • High electrical integrity
    • Displays consistent properties over a range of frequencies and temperatures; depending on the grade of resin chosen, PEEK parts can be insulating, conducting or static dissipative
    • Low smoke and toxic gas emission
    • Inherently flame retardant without the use of additives; low toxicity of combustion gases

    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 contact Rich Reed, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, at (513) 321-8404 or RReed@performanceplastics.com

     

  • EnduroSharp® Torlon® Maintenance Tools For Aircraft and Windmill Blades

    EnduroSharp® has changed the way maintenance professionals remove sealants and adhesives from composite substrates and fasteners. EnduroSharp® tools are made from Torlon®, a high strength, high performance plastic polymer which provides all the benefits of a sharp tool without the risk associated with caustic devices.

    EnduroSharp® Torlon® maintenance tools are non metallic scraper tools designed to hold a superior edge but not damage composite structures like aluminum, fiberglass and carbon fibers. Constructed from a custom polyamidimide blend (PAI), they are durable, nonmetallic blades designed to remove elastomeric coatings, protective boots, tapes, sealants and adhesive residue and gap filler materials.

    Composite materials are made of two or more materials with different physical or chemical properties that when combined, do not fully blend but together become stronger and more durable.  Materials used in composites include resins of glass fiber, reinforced polyester, reinforced epoxy, carbon fibers, graphite and blends of metals. Combining the materials produce components that are strong, lightweight, corrosion resistant and dimensionally stable.  They feature high rigidity and resistance to to torsion and fatigue with good flexibility, corrosion resistant and reduced weight.

    EnduroSharp® is an improvement over existing nonmetallic scrapers due to the Torlon® stiffness and edge design.  Torlon® holds the cutting longer, is easier to sharpen and is machinable to configure. Torlon® is a high strength, high temperature polymer that is injection molded and oven “cured” to produce the highest tensile strength.  It posses features that are ideal in that they hold an effective,  resharpenable edge but not pose a threat to composite structures   It is an easy to use, will less effort for tough materials and deeper gaps.  The tool is ideal for tighter edges, and is designed to remove adhesives, sealants and coatings from low weight, design flexible structures.

    The EnduroSharp® lineup consists of a variety of scraper blades, gap blades, reamers, cutter, bits, and discs for removal of substances on composite aircraft and composite windmill blades.

    Performance Plastics is a custom injection molder of high performance, tight tolerance thermoplastic components.  We specialize in geometrically complex precision parts that consist of chemically inert materials.

    For more information on the EnduroSharp® product line, please contact Rich Reed at rreed@performanceplastics.com or our website at www.stg-performanceplastics-stage.kinsta.cloud

  • Happy Holidays from Performance Plastics

    Whoa, 2020 is almost over!  Apparently, time flies in the midst of a global pandemic.

    This year was not one without its challenges.  From material shortages, mandatory shutdowns to shipping delays, we are proud of all of our team’s achievements in solving our customer’s most complicated problems.  We still hold true to our company’s motto: “Problem Solved”.

    As we enter 2021, Performance Plastics is committed to becoming a global leader providing precision, tight tolerance injection molding solutions for the medical, aerospace/defense and industrial sectors.

    In these final holiday weeks of 2020, we’d like to say thank you for all your support throughout the year. Our team at Performance Plastics want to wish you a holiday season is full of happiness, cheer, and prosperity for the coming new year.

  • Injection Molded Plastic Fluoropolymers to manufacture UV-C Sanitization Devices

    UV-C light can be used to kill germs such as bacteria, viruses such as Covid-19, and spores. UV-C light disrupts the DNA of pathogens, eliminating their ability to replicate This technology works by the line of sight so the light must reach the surface in order for the bacteria or virus to be deactivated.

    Historically, medical device manufacturers did not consider plastics to mold parts because plastic resins posed the possibility of cross contamination.  Today, medical device engineers are reconsidering plastics, specifically fluoropolymers that can be formulated to resist UV-C light degradation and reflectivity to leverage sterilization benefits and part manufacturing flexibility.

    Fluoropolymers or Teflon®, are a group of high-performance plastics with excellent temperature and chemical resistance that are increasingly being injection molded in a variety of medical products today.  Unique characteristics such as UV-C light reflectivity, biocompatibility, low friction, chemical inertness, non-porosity, and compatibility with UV-C sterilization technologies, make them suitable for uses in many types of medical devices.

    Fluoropolymers, such as FEP and PFA are resistant to higher transmission rates of UV light than glass, polyethylene, or polycarbonate allowing the full spectrum of solar light to pass through offering the benefits of sterilization.  These fluoropolymers are flexible and do not discolor, making them an ideal material to produce medical components to be UVC sterilized.

    Performance Plastics, located in Cincinnati, OH  has over 30 years’ experience in molding tight tolerance advanced plastics such as Fluoropolymers (FEP & PFA) for the medical industry.  We have developed proprietary processes enabling injection molding of parts that are thin-walled, tight dimensional tolerances, and complex geometries.

    For more information and solutions, please contact Rich Reed, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at 513-321-8404 or email rreed@performanceplastics.com.

  • Direct Gating Makes Complex Medical Components A Reality

    At Performance Plastics, our primary job is to facilitate designs that create better products. Our direct gating technology does just that by increasing the value of existing products and providing advantages for new, innovative concepts. Our hybrid direct gate technology eliminates the runner waste associated with conventional molding, significantly reducing material use and per part cost. Polymers are injected directly into the part mold eliminating the need for runners.

    Direct gating is suited for deep draw parts such as pipettes and syringe barrels or for small parts like medical infusion components.  This saves both resin and typically cuts cycle time by up to 50%.  In addition, it eliminates the need for downstream processing of the cold runner, which in medical applications can not typically be used as regrind.  The part quality achieved by direct gating is in many cases improved over parts manufactured with a cold runner.

    Part quality is always critical in the medical industry due to safety concerns.  With medical parts, sharp edges or pronounced gate vestiges can potentially tear latex gloves or even skin.  In the medical industry, even seemingly small improvements in quality can make a significant difference in everyday applications and safety.

    Performance Plastics excels at helping customers create intricate injection molded components that can benefit from a combination of high temperature, low surface adhesion, chemical and organic resistance in a package with complex geometries and/or tight tolerances.

    Performance Plastics has developed a number of industry leading technologies enabling us to injection mold intricate, thin walled components out of some of the most sheer sensitive materials such as fluoropolymers.  This is critically important when working with sheer sensitive, expensive materials such as fluoropolymers (FEP, PFA, PVDF) and PEEK.

    Performance Plastics Ltd offers high-performance injection molding thermoplastic expertise featuring tight tolerances and thin walled part geometries.  The industries we serve include aerospace/defense, medical and industrial applications. For more information, please visit our website at www.stg-performanceplastics-stage.kinsta.cloud or sales@performanceplastics.com.

  • Performance Plastics Hosts Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive

    With many of the food banks pushed to the brink this year because of COVID-19, Performance Plastics is hosting our Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive.  Following strict COVID-19 guidelines, we are gathering non-perishable, shelf stable canned goods for donation to a local church.

    Many food banks and pantries are facing decreased food donations while more families than ever are visiting for the first time.  In the southwest Ohio area, one in every four children and 15% of the elderly live in poverty.

    Working with a local church, we are collecting items which they have requested. “With many families in our community facing struggles this year, its more important than ever to help” stated Christina Smith Second Shift Leader at Performance Plastics, and member of the First Baptist Church. Christina is our Thanksgiving Food Drive Leader. “COVID has put so many people in a hard place, it’s the least we can do”.

    In addition to items donated by employees, Performance Plastics is matching monetary donations.  Our plan is to donate all the items and cash to the church in plenty of time, so everyone has a great holiday.

    Happy Thanksgiving