Top Product

Plasticizer-free vinyl

The FreeFlex 4002 series of flexible vinyl compounds combines polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with polyolefin elastomers (POEs) that perform well at high and low temperatures. These compounds avoid problems caused by plasticizer volatilization or migration from using POEs that are immiscible with PVC; the development of proprietary chemistry allows the company to alloy them with PVC. The POEs in the FreeFlex compounds stay permanently blended with the PVC. They are available in four grades with Shore A hardness ratings of 81, 82, 85 and 90 for applications involving hose and tubing and sheet products such as tank and pond liners. In addition, the compounds are promising for applications involving transport or containment of fluids that have a chemical affinity with conventional plasticizers.

Teknor Apex, Pawtucket, RI.

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Nano machining

This company offers micro and nano machining services and equipment similar to those found in sand blasting. The company’s technology includes the control of high-energy liquid jets to cut and shape features with sizes below 50 nanometers in a variety of materials. The environmentally friendly process is tolerant of contaminants so it can be used in environments with less stringent cleanliness controls.

NanoMatrix Inc, Santa Cruz, CA.
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Materials subscription service

DesignAid is a three-part subscription service – physical samples, Design Guide, online database — that is shipped every three months. Each issue provides in-depth research on new materials, processes and technologies. In addition to the physical samples, subscribers also receive a printed Design Guide, which gives basic information about each sample accompanied by pictures and applications.

Inventables, Chicago, IL.
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Closed cell core material

RamXcel closed cell core material consists of a rigid, low-density structural closed-cell core permanently fused between two layers of high impact-resistant RamX material. Developed primarily for the small boat and outdoor industry, the RamXcel material provides an exceptional exterior and interior finish as well as effective insulation against cold water and noise. 

Pelican International, Laval, QC.
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Pure copper

Copper is a data sheet that describes the benefits and general applications of pure copper. The mechanical, physical and chemical properties of pure copper as well as casting technique, melting, casting characteristics, joining, fabrication properties and available forms and shapes are also included. Patination is also covered, describing the blue-green color that is often found naturally on copper surfaces.

Belmont Metals Inc, Brooklyn, NY.
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Extrudable TPU

The Estane Easy to Extrude (ETE) thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) includes grades up to 80 Shore D. Increased TPU hardness provides high mechanical and thermal properties but often results in extrusion difficulties. The ETE TPUs are made from pellets that are melted and maintained at a usable viscosity without the appearance of crystallized chunks, gels or flushing problems during periodic line stoppages.

Noveon Inc, Cleveland, OH.
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Packaging colors

This company produces a broad line of color and additive masterbatches for packaging applications. It is introducing a line of blue-colored additives to appeal to customer’s senses. Cirruscape is a lustrous blue that reflects serenity while Spaqua is a clean blue with a blend of interference and silver white large particle pigments. The company is also introducing new shades of green and red.

Ampacet Sales Corp, Tarrytown, NY.
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Plastics decorating

IMDI is an in-mold decorating program that assists designers in troubleshooting, testing and problem-solving during the plastics decorating process. The company offers services using inks, forming techniques and injection molding, as well as cost, production, logistical issues and environmental concerns. Metallic looks, logos and other decorative features are scratch-, fade- and wear-resistant.

Serigraph, West Bend, WI.
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Thermoplastic vulcanizate

A EU food-compliant grade of Santoprene thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) is being used by Rubbermaid for the seal in its food container lids. These EU-compliant grades exhibit good chemical resistance, compression set and temperature resistance for effective sealing properties across a wide range of temperatures. They are available in three hardnesses: Shore 55A, Shore 64A and Shore 73A.

Advanced Elastomer Systems, Akron, OH.
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Fluoropolymer CD-ROM

Discover the World of Dyneon is a CD-ROM that provides complete product specifications for the company’s fluoroelastomer, PTFE, custom PTFE, fluorothermoplastic and specialty additive products. It is divided into four sections and takes users on a “tour” through various applications for the fluoropolymer products. Users may also explore product applications relevant to their needs.

Dyneon LLC, Oakdale, MN.
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Adhesive technologies

The 24-page High Performance Polymers and Adhesives catalog details nearly 200 product formulations for bonding and assembly applications. The catalog, available in either a printed version or on CD-ROM, features copolyamide and copolyester hot melt adhesives; liquid adhesive systems; and web and powder form adhesives. Vital copolyester resins are also featured.

Bostik Findley Inc, Middleton, MA.
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Ferrite materials

The P1 and P2 Series ferrite materials are designed for high-power applications. Available in a wide range of core shapes and sizes, they can be used in such applications as battery chargers, industrial induction heating, UPS and welding equipment. They are designed for low-power loss applications in the frequency range of 25 kHz to 200 kHz and are optimized for operating at temperatures between 80°C to 100°C.

AVX Corp, Myrtle Beach, SC.

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Rapid prototyping plastic

ABSi plastic is available as a colorless plastic as well as in translucent red, amber or white. The plastic can be sterilized via gamma radiation and EtO sterlization. It is compatible with the soluble support Water Works, which saves time by dissolving model supports rather than requiring manual removal. ABSi can be used with the company’s FDM Maxum rapid prototyping system.

Stratasys Corp, Eden Prairie, MN.
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TPE alloy

The ST1025 injection moldable TPE alloy provides a silky soft touch feel. At 33 Shore A, the ST1025 is suitable for soft touch applications such as grips, handles, buttons, toys and personal care accessories. It offers a low coefficient of friction to processors and users and can be processed in many different colors. Grades are available with a Wet Grip, Light Grip, Gel-Feel and Rubbery Grip, among others.

GLS Corp, McHenry, IL.
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Coatings website

This company has launched a website designed for OEMs and job shops involved in product finishing. The site describes how the company works with product finishers in a wide range of markets, including agricultural, construction and industrial equipment, plastics and electronics. Coating products such as the POWDURA powder coating finishes and the KEM-AQUA waterborne solutions are also featured.

Sherwin-Williams Chemical Coatings, Cleveland, OH.
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Application Xtra 

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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Acetal copolymer

Celcon acetal copolymer is used in the Mega-Lok child buckle by National Molding Corp. The Celcon acetal copolymer was chosen because it flows well in processing, resulting in a smooth, even finish. The material also has good tensile strength as well as high lubricity and low wear so male and female parts slide over each other smoothly. It also has good memory and good spring properties.

Ticona, Summit, NJ.
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