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Articles reporting on plastic products are prepared from information furnished by members of the IAPD and nonmember magazine advertisers. It should not be assumed that
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April/May 2008
Sheffield Plastics Inc. offers MAKROLON® AR polycarbonate sheet, which is an abrasion and enhanced UV resistant sheet that provides glass-like surface hardness coupled with the impact strength of polycarbonate. In addition, MAKROLON AR polycarbonate sheet offers enhanced resistance to yellowing and hazing for longer service life in high profile architectural glazing. Typical applications include school, hospital and level one detention glazing. The polycarbonate sheet is used extensively in correctional and psychiatric facilities, and it also performs well for view windows and machine guards in harsh chemical environments. (800) 254-1707, www.sheffieldplastics.com.
Kleerdex Co. LLC, manufacturer of KYDEX® thermoplastic sheets, has reported it has attained the exclusive right to produce thermoplastic sheets with Microban®, an antimicrobial product protection for the production of healthcare equipment enclosures and airline interior components. Microban protection is built-in to continuously fight the growth of microbes such as odor and stain causing bacteria, mold and mildew, keeping products cleaner between cleanings 24/7. It doesn’t wash or wear off. The use of Microban protection in airline interior products is particularly advantageous to keep items made from thermoplastic sheets, including meal trays, arm rests and monitor shrouds cleaner between cleanings. Increased consumer awareness of microbes, coupled with the importance of maintaining a cleaner environment, makes KYDEX sheet an ideal option for thermoformers and fabricators in these and other industries. Under this arrangement, Kleerdex will offer Microban protection as an option for the following thermoplastic sheets marketed under the KYDEX name: KYDEX T MB, KYDEX XD MB, KYDEX 150 MB and KYDEX 5555 MB products. (570) 387-6997, www.kydex.com.
GF Piping Systems has introduced the new Type 567 Butterfly Valve in large diameter sizes up to 12 inches. The corrosion-resistant valve incorporates a double eccentric operating principle that provides improved wear and easier operation over traditional eccentric style butterfly valves. Typical applications include industrial water treatment, potable water treatment, swimming pools, water parks and waste water systems in such industries as chemical, chemical distribution, electroplating and power plants. Key to the valve’s double eccentric disk design is the off-center shaft that allows the disc to completely disengage from the disc seal, even when partially open. This reduces seal friction and improves seal wear characteristics, resulting in longer service life, minimal maintenance and better protection against pressure surges. The double eccentric design also lowers the torque required to operate the valve, making for easy manual operation and use of smaller actuators at a significantly reduced cost. And with no gap between the disc and the seal, particles wash away, preventing potential build-up that can obstruct flow. (800) 854-4090, www.gfpiping.com.
Plast-O-Matic has introduced Series PRHM, a thermoplastic pressure regulator capable of converting inlet pressures up to 150 psi to a predetermined maximum downstream pressure ranging from 5 to 125 psi settings. Unique to these regulators is the rolling diaphragm seal, which isolates the spring chamber from the downstream pressure sensing liquid and assures sensitive, smooth, accurate performance. Other important features include an all-molded body construction, which eliminates internal leakage that could cause a malfunction, and a heavy-duty shaft seat to withstand pressure surges. Series PRHM Pressure Regulators are available in 1/2'', 3/4'' and 1'' pipe size, in Grade 1 Type 1 PVC. A catalog is available on this new series. (973) 256-3000, www.plastomatic.com.
Spartech Corporation, a leading producer of engineered plastic sheet, polymeric compounds, and engineered products has announced that its Sungard® Ultra Weatherable Polycarbonate sheet recently received a notice of acceptance 1 (NOA) from the Miami-Dade County Florida Building Code Office. Following rigorous testing, Sungard sheet was found to comply with the Florida state building code as well as requirements for materials used in high velocity hurricane zones. Skylights and shutters made from Sungard sheet have excellent impact resistance that withstand most environmental conditions without sacrificing clarity or strength. Sungard sheet features proprietary technology to prevent yellowing, haze and degradation from exposure to ultraviolet light. (800) 558-7876, www.spartech.com.
Victrex, a leading manufacturer of high performance materials, has introduced a new VICTREX T-Series compound called TF-60C, a proprietary blend of VICTREX® PEEK™ polymer, Celazole® PBI and carbon fiber reinforcement. Featuring one of the best overall property profiles of any high performance material, the new carbon fiber product delivers high strength, high modulus, low creep and is ideally suited for the most demanding applications in the semiconductor/electronics industries including soldering tools, cassettes, wafer transportation and chamber parts in spin coating and etching. Offering excellent mechanical performance at high temperatures up to 572°F (300°C), VICTREX T-Series products are an ideal replacement option for metals and non-melt processable high temperature plastics such as polyimides. (800) VICTREX, www.victrex.com.
Engineers and designers will have more options for new or upgraded part designs with Quadrant’s expanded range of Torlon® PAI shapes. Torlon is an ideal material for applications where extreme strength, stiffness, stability and wear-resistance are required. It is far more economical than most grades of PI and offers better performance in applications up to 500°F (260°C). Quadrant has exclusively produced Torlon 4203 PAI and Torlon 4301 PAI rod and sheet for several years. Quadrant is adding several larger rod diameters — up to 5.0'' diameter for the electrical/structural grade of 4203 and up to 2.5'' diameter for the bearing grade 4301. These larger diameters markedly improve yields for parts that were previously machined form sheet, and the machining of rods gives fabricators an opportunity to increase productivity. In addition to the new sizes, a new capability to provide tubes in 4203 and 4301 up to 4.0'' O.D. offers additional material and machining productivity gains. These new sizes and productivity enhancing shapes offer engineers more options for high performance and severe service bearing applications where Torlon’s strength, temperature and chemical resistance are necessary. (800) 366-0310, www.quadrantplastics.com.
Röchling Sustaplast LP has announced the introduction of Sustanat PC Optical Grade Polycarbonate, also known as “SustaView,” as the newest addition to its product offering. SustaView is an optical grade polycarbonate sheet designed for applications such as safety shields, viewing ports and site glasses. Originally designed for the semiconductor industry where heavy gauge sheets are required for impact resistance and optical clarity, SustaView is also the perfect choice for viewing windows and ports on various types of heavy machinery and equipment. Sheets ranging from 5/8'' to 2'' thick in 48'' x 96'' are now available from stock with a protective masking on both sides. Features and benefits of the new optical grade polycarbonate sheet include: optical clarity, outstanding impact strength, easy to cut and machine, excellent dimensional stability and masking on both sides. (800) 832-6787, www.sustaplast.com.
SYSPRO, a provider of visionary ERP for the manufacturing pragmatist, has introduced Financial Ratio Analysis, an addition to SYSPRO’s General Ledger software aimed specifically at gauging financial health for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Financial Ratio Analysis incorporates more than a dozen financial metrics, including efficiency ratios, profitability ratios, business activity ratios and liquidity ratios among others. SYSPRO customers will gain the new functionality automatically as part of the company’s General Ledger solution at no additional cost. All ratios are also available via standard reporting, as well as through “executive dashboards” that provide operational management with “at-a-glance” reporting and querying capabilities. The new financial capabilities include a comprehensive set of standard ratio/metrics, as well as specific financial health monitoring/analysis capabilities geared specifically to the growing SMB manufacturing and distribution organizations served by SYSPRO. The library of ratios covers everything from inventory turnover analysis to payables turnover to debt ratios. (800) 369-8649, www.syspro.com.
Plastomer Technologies is a leading manufacturer of high quality thread sealant tape to the industry. This product line is engineered for uniformity, creating a thread seal tape so efficient, you actually use less. Plastomer Technologies PTFE thread seal tape is made in the USA from the finest raw materials and produced to standard or custom widths, lengths and thicknesses. Performance and reliability make this thread sealant tape a cut above the rest. Tapes are available in standard, high or full densities to ensure the user receives the right solution for their particular application. Standard tapes provide the economical choice intended for general purpose sealing in pipe threads. Premium grade full density tape permits quick, clean sealing of all male pipe thread sizes extending the life of sealed connections and reducing the risk of system contamination. Meeting the most demanding specifications is no problem; in fact it is their specialty. (800) 345-4901, www.plastomertech.com.
Parker-TexLoc Fluoropolymer FEP and PFA tubing can be formed and welded into heat exchanger transport lines that offer a non-stick, bacteria free transport of deionized water and other corrosive media. Unlike steel, which is susceptible to corrosion and bacteria build up, fluoropolymer tubing, with its >0.01 percent moisture absorption, withstands almost any harsh chemicals, except those with fluorine and alkali metals. Based on these properties, corrosion and contaminants will not damage fluoropolymer tubing and the result is a leak free, low maintenance alternative to metallic tubing. In addition to corrosion resistance, fluoropolymer tubing operates in temperatures up to 500°F (260°C) and has the lowest coefficient of friction of any tube available, thus reducing downtime for cleaning and routine maintenance. This reduced downtime can be a considerable savings and coupled with the increased life, offers refineries a cost effective alternative to traditional steel tubing. (800) 423-6551, www.texloc.com.
Norplex-Micarta, a leading manufacturer of high performance thermoset composites, has announced a new static dissipative material, StatNot™ XC, which can be combined with existing Norplex-Micarta materials, such as the NP510A fiberglass epoxy composite. Developed in partnership with a leading specialty coating company, the StatNot XC composite surface consistently maintains a surface resistivity of 106 to 109 ohms per square, stabilizing static electricity and conductivity. The StatNot XC composite surface is ideal for applications in the electronics assembly market, such as text fixtures and assembly work surfaces. The composite surface is combined with certain base materials to achieve critical material properties for specific application requirements, such as excellent mechanical strength, moisture resistance and creep resistance. For instance, when StatNot XC is combined with the NP510A fiberglass epoxy, the finished material would feature the same coefficient of thermal expansion as circuit board material, minimizing the impact of changing temperatures in a manufacturing or testing facility. (800) 848-4431, www.norplex-micarta.com.
Gemini Incorporated has received approval for its Formed Plastic Channel Letter as a Recognized Component under UL 879 and UL 48, which applies to lighting and signage. A revolutionary new product for the sign industry, Gemini Formed Channel Letters offer lower mold costs, shorter lead times, greater design flexibility and formed face capabilities. A cost-effective alternative to expensive metal channels that must be assembled one at a time by hand, Gemini’s perfect-every-time custom Formed Channel Letters are tailor-made for the fast-growing area of illuminated signage. Letter sizes are available from 9'' to 42'' in seven translucent face colors; white, yellow, orange, red-orange, red, light blue and light green. Using either standard letters styles or custom artwork and fonts, these letters offer nearly unlimited customization and are ideal for businesses seeking a unique eye-catching look. Designed for LED lighting, Gemini’s Formed Channel Letters are made from thermoformed sheets of cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB). Unlike other plastics that are petroleum-based or produced with hazardous PVCs, CAB is a wood and cotton-fiber based plastic that is completely recyclable. These letters are designed for use with low heat and low voltage lighting systems only — meaning most LED products. (800) LETTERS, www.signletters.com.
Plastic & Paper Sales Inc. now offers Super Smooth 14 Block-out banner which is ideally suited for both screen and digital printing. In the last number of years, retailers have demanded smoother looking banner signage with brighter colors and shaper images. Printers have requested a more robust material to assist with through put on their equipment. Super Smooth 14 delivers both with powerful result. Its super smooth, matte finish surface on both front and back maintains a consistent dot. It is 100 percent opaque for applications where block is required. (905) 761-1230, www.plasticpaper.com.
Vycom, Division Azek Building Products, manufacturer of Celtec® rigid foam PVC sheets, is pleased to announce the addition of a 1 meter wide die to its extrusion capacity. This will enable the production of more custom width sheets with less scrap. Vycom will also begin to stock standard Celtec items in sizes 39'' x 96''. Celtec is a workable polymer board which replaces wood and wood by-products in a wide variety of applications including signage and graphic displays. (732) 493-8900, www.cpgint.com.
Eastman Chemical Company provides a range of innovative technologies for creating attention-grabbing point-of-purchase displays and store fixtures. Providing brand owners, designers, fabricators and retailers with increased design flexibility and durability, these visual merchandising advances include Eastman Spectar™ Frost copolyester and Eastman’s patented Encapsulation Technology. Spectar Frost incorporates a unique finish technology that delivers sheet with a high-end, matte appearance, providing designers with the freedom to create stand-out fixtures and displays. Due to its light-diffusing properties, sheet made with Spectar Frost can be used for a range of retail lighting applications, including illuminated signage, light boxes and decorative light diffusers. Eastman’s Encapsulation Technology uses Spectar as a transparent substrate to encapsulate decorative agents, such as textiles, images and botanicals. This technology can add customized flair for a range of in-store applications, including counters, displays, shelving and partitions. (423) 229-2353, www.eastman.com.
Altuglas International, maker of the high-quality lines of Plexiglas® acrylic sheet and Tuffak® polycarbonate sheet products, recently introduced its next-generation Tuffak® XL polycarbonate sheet that offers exceptional levels of performance in terms of light diffusion behavior and weathering characteristics. “Signs illuminated by LED sources conserve energy and reduce operating costs, and our latest product offers the market a unique polycarbonate sheet that eliminates hot spots to achieve an even glow,” claims Thomas DeMain, business manager. “But this property does not mitigate its durability — it’s 300 times stronger than single-strength glass.” Produced via a propriety process that creates a built-in UV barrier, the sheet’s advantages include extended life, longer-term yellowing resistance, greater diffusion properties to hide light sources, and higher light transmission properties to lower power requirements. Based on extensive testing by Altuglas International, Tuffak XL polycarbonate sheet displays better weathering properties than many other polycarbonate sheet products. According to Dr. Manuel Garcia-Leiner, a scientist at the company’s Polymer Technology Center in King of Prussia, PA, USA, this latest advancement of the Tuffak XL polycarbonate sheet product offers low-angle scattering improvements that disperses light efficiently at any viewing angle. “This sheet has a brightness factor that remains consistent regardless of viewing angle. Even at high angles, light is transmitted homogeneously due to a significant increase in the half-gain angle of about 70°F (21°C).” (215) 419-7605, www.altuglasint.com.
TigerStop LLC has announced that adding its TigerStop® Automated Stop/Gauge and Pusher System to new or existing equipment can simplify processes and minimize wasted time and materials. With TigerStop, users can push material automatically or use it in place of a manual stop. Material is positioned and ready to cut at the touch of a button. An operator enters a desired dimension and the TigerStop moves to that position. The operator can confidently make his cut without measuring again and again or setting and resetting a manual stop. This reduces operator error that results in wasted material and rework. TigerStop maintains repeatable accuracy of +/- 0.004''. So the parts are accurate the first time … every time. Jobs are also completed in less time with greater accuracy. Operators cut more parts in a shorter period of time because they don’t have to manually measure or set stops before cutting each part. Users can stop or push material with TigerStop’s incredible accuracy while reducing waste. The TigerStop system is a low-cost addition with a great return on investment. (360) 254-0661, www.tigerstop.com.
Cepex offers a new range of pipe clamp saddles designed for municipal and irrigation applications. Specially engineered for tapping connections from a service main, these polypropylene (PP) saddle clamps have been designed for use on polyethylene (PE), aluminum, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or steel pipe. These high impact resistant PP saddles are rust and corrosion-free. With no gluing, primer or precutting required, their light weight design enables them to be installed easily, reducing labor and installation and maintenance costs. Pipe clamp saddles are more flexible and reliable than conventional fittings. The nitrile gasket provides additional protection against leakage. Cepex pipe clamp saddles are an excellent choice for use in service main installations. (904) 695-1441, www.cepexusa.com.
Onsrud Cutter LP, a leading supplier of cutting tools to the aerospace industry, has introduced a line of high-performance end mills for titanium materials. The offering consists of roughers and finishers optimized for deep pocket milling. Roughers are designed for high metal removal rates with addition of variable flute indexing that reduces chatter. Longer tool lengths incorporate a large core diameter that further prevents chatter caused by deflection. Tools range from square to full ball nose to meet aerospace industry requirements. (847) 362-1560, www.onsrud.com.
Asahi/America, Inc. has introduced the latest addition to its Halar® (E-CTFE) piping system line, the Halar true union ball valve. The new Halar ball valve can operate as a manual valve or be paired with Asahi/America’s pneumatic or electric actuators. The true union design allows for flow and pressure in either direction and eliminates the stress inherent to a ball secured only at the top. The most compelling feature of this new valve is the Halar (E-CTFE) construction. Halar is the most corrosive resistant thermoplastic material available. Essentially a 1:1 alternating copolymer of ethylene and CTFE (chlorotrifluoroethylene), it contains about 80 percent CTFE, one of the most chemically resistant building blocks that can be used to make a polymer. It is the best material for handling high concentrations of sodium hypochlorite and 98+ percent sulfuric acid. The new Halar true union ball valve is available in sizes 1/2'' through 1'' and features smooth turning in even the most difficult applications. (877) 24-ASAHI, www.asahi-america.com.
Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics, Polymer Products Business, has successfully completed a three-year testing program developed to ensure product conformance with Semi F57-0301 Standards. Highlighting this achievement is the HPVM molded and machined product offering. The HPVM valve and manifold product lines are used extensively in semiconductor processing equipment and are available in a wide variety of sizes and configurations. Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI) is the trade association serving the global semiconductor equipment, materials and flat panel display industries. (714) 238-2372, www.saint-gobain.com.
Westlake Plastics Company has introduced Medical Grade Propylux HS which is made from an FDA approved polypropylene resin. Through a unique heat-stabilizing process, the extruded material is able to withstand higher temperatures with less water absorption than standard polypropylene. Recommended sterilization techniques for Propylux HS include steam autoclaving and cold sterilization. Applications for the resin are provisional trials and instrument handles. Advantages of Medical Grade Propylux HS include: excellent chemical resistance, laser markable, lot controlled and traceable, low moisture absorption, FDA resin — USP Class VI and superior dimensional stability. (800) 999-1700, www.westlakeplastics.com.
CYRO Industries, a subsidiary of Evonik Degussa Corporation, has announced the addition of 10 vibrant colors to its popular ACRYLITE® Reflections™ Mirror acrylic sheet. The new colors provide the same advantages of the existing colorless ACRYLITE Reflections sheet, including the reflective quality of glass with the safety and fabrication advantages of acrylic sheet, making them excellent choices for point-of-purchase (P-O-P) and store fixture applications. The 10 new colors are: blue, bronze, gold, green (two shades), pink, purple, red, slate grey and yellow. They are a perfect complement to the existing colorless ACRYLITE Reflections sheet and are natural extensions to the line. High-quality color is created and maintained because ACRYLITE Reflections sheet uses a highly reflective coating, which transmits images uniformly across its surface. ACRYLITE Reflections sheet also has excellent shatter resistance so designers avoid the hazards of sharp glass edging. Its durability makes ACRYLITE Reflections sheet easier to fabricate than standard glass. (800) 631-5384, www.cyro.com.
In a breakthrough for structural automotive components, DuPont has announced that its reinforced DuPont™ Zytel® nylon resin has replaced steel in exhaust system parts on all Volkswagen vehicles built on the current Golf platform, cutting weight of the component by nearly 50 percent. “This is significant because a key priority today for automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) is weight reduction to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions,” said Keith J. Smith, vice president and general manager – DuPont Engineering Polymers. “Future emissions requirements such as Euro 5 and EPA 2010 pose an enormous challenge that automakers are addressing in new designs for chassis, powertrain and engine systems. DuPont is applying its polymer science know-how and broad portfolio of high performance engineering resins for new designs where plastics match the performance of metals to achieve significant weight reduction without sacrificing functionality.” Smith said the focus on weight reduction will be reflected in new powertrain technologies of the future and smaller engine designs that improve fuel economy. The EPA’s 2007 Fuel Economy Report indicates that progress is being made. (610) 274-0991, www.plastics.dupont.com.
VIVAK® Sheet, a product of Sheffield Plastics Inc., A Bayer MaterialScience Company, is now available with a non-glare satin finish. VIVAK, a thermoplastic sheet in the PETG family of plastics, features a durable, lightweight construction that allows simple and flexible fabricating, forming and finishing. Now, VIVAK Sheet expands the line to provide even greater versatility, making VIVAK an ideal solution for a wide range of applications including graphics, point-of-purchase displays/fixtures, indoor signs and formed parts. VIVAK’s non-glare satin finish can be printed on the sheet’s first or second surface, with excellent adhesion properties for UV or solvent based inks, while delivering a glare-reducing texture. VIVAK, a high quality, specialty copolyester resin material, also boasts greater thermoforming capabilities, design options and impact strength over many traditional display materials. VIVAK can be easily formed with great definition — even in low temperatures — and simply fastened. In addition, VIVAK allows easy die cutting, deeper draws and punching for thin gauges and efficient production. Plus, VIVAK Sheet boasts greater impact strength and durability than acrylic as well as high chemical resistance, providing a cost-effective, durable display solution. (800) 254-1707, www.sheffieldplastics.com.
CS Hyde Company has announced a new one-of-a-kind product: Teflon® (PTFE) Tape with adhesive on both sides (thin to thick gauge). Traditional Teflon Tape is only available with adhesive on one side. CS Hyde developed a new technology allowing it to produce Teflon Tape with pressure sensitive on both sides and up to .060'' thick. Double–Sided Teflon (PTFE) Tape allows customers to fasten two substrates together easily and cost-effectively. Rivets, bolts and screws are not necessary. PTFE substrate has the same characteristics associated with Teflon: chemical resistance, non-porous barrier, extreme temperature resistance and dielectric strength. 3M acrylic adhesive on both sides enables attachment to other substrates. Adhesives are resistant to extreme temperatures and chemicals. Double-Sided Teflon (PTFE) Tape (Product #15-__A) is available from .005'' to .060'' thick. (High bond adhesive is also available.) Teflon Tape is sold in rolls, sheets or custom die-cut shapes. CS Hyde Company offers samples upon request. (800) 461-4161, www.cshyde.com.
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MAKROLON® polycarbonate sheet
Exclusive use of antimicrobial additive
Large diameter butterfly valve
Thermoplastic pressure regulator
VICTREX T-Series compound
Expanded Torlon® PAI product lineup
Optical grade polycarbonate sheet
PTFE thread sealant tape
Fluoropolymer tubing
StatNot™ XC composite surface
Formed channel letters
Eastman Spectar™ Frost
TigerStop automated system
Cepex pipe clamp saddles
High performance tooling
Halar® true union ball valves
Medical Grade Propylux HS
ACRYLITE® Reflections™ Mirror
Dupont™ Zytel® nylon resin
New non-glare satin finish
Tape with adhesive on both sides