Top Product

Double-clad LCP laminate

The R/flex 3000 family of thin-film, flexible, adhesiveless liquid crystalline polymer laminates was developed specifically for use as a core for single layer or to build up multi-layer constructions. With a low dielectric constant of 2.9, a loss tangent of 0.002 at 20 GHz and very low moisture absorption (<0.04% by weight), LCP laminates are suited for high frequency microminaturization applications, sensors, antennas and high-speed flip-chip designs. R/flex 3850 double-clad laminate features low dielectric constant for controlled impedance, combined with high dimensional stability for dense fine-line applications. The laminate is produced in a range of copper and LCP thicknesses, just as the R/flex 3600 single-clad version, and is available in standard panel formats. While the single-clad version has a melt temperature of 290°C, R/flex 3850’s melt temperature is increased to 315°C.

Rogers Corp, Rogers, CT.
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Grip material

Previous versions of this company’s VynaFoam grip material required grips and sleeves to be produced with an inner line, but a new formulation eliminates the requirement. There is greater uniformity in wall thickness, improving fit. The soft finish provides the comfort of foam with the durability of vinyl. Weather-resistant properties suit the material for indoor/outdoor use. Various colors are available.

GripWorks, Arnold, MO.
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Slip agents

Kemamide ELO and VO vegetable-based thermoplastic slip agents are designed to satisfy requirements for eliminating animal-derived agents. ELO torque-release agent minimizes the taste and odor effects of ozone sterilization. With no fatty acid chains to react to ozone and heat, the stable material is suited for bottle cap and related applications. Low-cost VO is GMO-free.

Crompton Corp, Middlebury, CT.
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PTFE fibers

The physical properties of Plastolon fibers include thermal resistance up to 550°F, chemical inertness, resistance to intense UV exposure and a low coefficient of friction. Fibers are available in a flat format, or can be twisted in single or multiple strands, to provide threads measuring 600+ denier. They are suited for stitching components used in harsh or demanding environments.

Plastomer Technologies, Newtown, PA.
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PET coloring

This company’s coloring systems offers a choice of liquid or solid colorant for 24/7 manufacturing of PET CSD and water bottles. Dosing equipment can be added to the package. Soft drink industry approvals are available. An in-house coloring matching service is offered, and RCDS 4-hour rapid service is available. Other products include blowing agents and colorants for other molded materials.

Holland Colors Americas Inc, Richmond, IN.
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Multipurpose mastic

Suitable for prototyping and modeling, Easymax hard polyurethane mastic is odorless, fast setting and contains no solvent or styrene. Designed as a simpler replacement for polyester mastic, mixing with a spatula is done at a 1:1 ratio (weight and volume). A single 1.2 in. layer is ready to sand in 20 min. It bonds with all surface textures and can be used on vertical surfaces without shrinking.

Axson North America, Eaton Rapids, MI.
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Automotive materials specs

Designed for the automotive segment of the plastics industry, Prospector Auto Specs database can be searched for approved materials by automotive OEMs. Over 9000 auto specs representing 70 OEMs are listed. Users may search by automotive company and actual specification; all materials meeting the requirements are available with datasheets for comparison. Non-automotive plastics are also accessible.

IDES Inc, Laramie, WY.
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Brazing filler material

Designed for plate-and-fin heat exchangers and automotive components, Nicrobraz 31 nickel-base, high-chromium, oxidation-resistant brazing filler material has demonstrated good capillary flow characteristics, a low braze temperature of 2000° to 2200°F, and good joint strength/ductility. A comprehensive application/data sheet is downloadable from the company’s website.

Wall Colmonoy, Madison Heights, MI.
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PPS alloys

Rubber modified Xtel XE series PPS alloys feature flexibility and impact strength, chemical resistance and thermal stability. They extend the traditional applications of high-performance PPS through the exact integration of proprietary olefinic-copolymer technology. Xtel XE3035 is designed for injection molding, while XE3200 is suited for extrusion processes.

Chevron Philips Chemical Co LP, The Woodlands, TX.
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Polymers

Kraton A polymer elastomers can be compounded to produce materials that can improve material strength, elasticity, temperature resistance, softness, appearance, and grip in applications such as toys, packaging, automotive, sports, and molded and extruded goods. They also offer good flow, improved low-shear processing, and better dimensional stability of molded parts.

Kraton Polymers, Houston, TX.
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High-V potting, encapsulant

Solarite SI-200 series of room-temperature vulcanizing, high-voltage electrical potting and casting silicones offer an economical range of features. The two-component silicones are available in hardness ranges from 80A semi-rigid to 00 gel compositions. They are re-enterable and cure to an elastic Shore 00 form with no surface residue. They are UL-94V-0 certified.

Solar Compounds Corp, Linden, NJ.
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Conductive carbon blacks

Developed to provide a specific balance of the key criteria for ESD conductive compounds (conductivity, surface smoothness, flexural modulus, dispersability and impact strength), Vulcan XC605 and XC305 create a uniform network of conductive particles throughout the finished material. XC605 is the premium version, while XC305 provides good cost/performance ratios for less demanding applications.

Cabot Corp, Boston, MA.
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Application Xtra 

Acrylic substrate effects

The surface of Acrylite Radiant acrylic sheet shifts through the color spectrum as it is viewed from different angles, using ambient light to provide a mirrorized effect. Thus, specialty lighting is not required to produce eye-catching movement at the point of sale. The acrylic sheet has a treated surface, but it can be cut, routed and drilled similar to standard acrylic, and bending does not diminish the radiant properties.

CYRO Industries, Rockaway, NJ.
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Mold release

Low styrene resins (VOCs) are typically slower to gel; while semi-permanent mold releases can tolerate increased chemical exposure from longer gel times, the release systems are slick, further aggravating the poor wetting properties of low VOC gel coats. Specifically developed for low VOC gel coats, INT-1292VP internal mold release improves the ability of the gel coat to wet out on molds.

Axel Plastics Research Laboratories Inc, Woodside, NY.
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Overmolding material

PolyTect soft molding product line has been expanded to include: PolyTack base material, suitable where adhesion to all components is required for maximum mechanical strength and environmental protection; PolyFlex, suited where extreme temperatures and flexibility are of concern; and PolyTran, with consistent electrical properties where RF transmission properties are paramount.

AVX Corp, Myrtle Beach, SC.
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Soft TPV

While the softest conventional TPVs are rated around 45 Shore A durometer, Uniprene 2000 series TPVs have durometers of 15, 25 and 35. The highly crosslinked compounds exhibit brittle points below –60°C and they withstand continuous use up to 105°C. They are highly resistant to solvents, oils and abrasion, and they adhere well to most olefinic and styrenic substrates.

Teknor Apex, Chicago, IL.
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