High performance resins, also known as high performance thermoplastics, are the answer to various problems faced in high temperature applications. Traditional materials used in conventional molding techniques are incapable of sustaining a high temperature environment. They are heavy and therefore consume a lot of fuel or energy. All these problems raised the need for a ‘super product’ that could perform seamlessly through these conditions.
High performance resins used in injection molding are lightweight, thus reducing fuel and energy consumption. That’s half the battle won. They are also corrosion-resistant and stable at high temperatures. Due to the nature of the material used, the products are capable of providing flexibility in terms of design and stability in application.
High Performance Resins in Injection Molding
Some of the highly engineered materials used to achieve this level of excellence are:
• ULTEM – Maximum Operating Temperature: 750°F/ 171°C
• PEEK – Maximum Operating Temperature: 800°F/ 250°C
• PPO – Maximum Operating Temperature: 572°F / 300°C
• PPS – Maximum Operating Temperature: 424°F/ 218°C
These materials have the capability of performing well in high temperature settings among other exceptional qualities. The materials thus created exhibit such a high level of strength that they are now replacing metal components across several industries. These materials also require much higher temperatures to melt and mold.
The chemical, physical, and mechanical properties displayed by these materials have increased the scope of their application to include medical, telecommunication, and even aerospace industries.
These materials are being widely used in industries that never considered using plastic as an alternative to metals or any other materials. This is happening not only because of the properties discussed earlier, but also due to their low cost of production.
These ‘super materials’ are leading the way in developing machines and systems that are durable, exceptional in performance, cost-efficient, and are resistant to corrosion and high temperatures.
