| Material Selection
NEPPCO members include a number of material suppliers who have the
technical expertise to select the most appropriate material suitable
for a wide range of applications.
The range of materials includes nylons, acetal, PBT, ABS, PPS, PPA, PSU,
PMMA as well as the more usual commodity materials such as SAN, polystyrene
grades, polypropylene, PVC, HDPE and LDPE.
Typical selection criteria would be performance at high or low temperature,
or against environmental, mechanical, optical, medical or electrical
requirements. A recent example of our successful material selection
involved a thermal heat fuse, which needed to withstand constant heat
cycles at elevated temperatures. In this instance a polyphthalamide
was considered the preferred option as it gave the required heat deflection
temperature of 300 C combined with excellent heat ageing properties.
Colours and Decorative Additives
Our members can also advise on the most appropriate colouring system
for specific polymers. Knowledge of pigment legislation is important
when considering colouring options and all criteria is taken into
account before a final recommendation is made. Rapid colour matching
is part of the service and members will be pleased to discuss individual
applications.
Tailor-made Compounds
Of additional benefit is the ability to tailor make compounds to
achieve specific performance and material characteristics. Polymers
can be modified with glass or carbon fibre and also mineral fillers.
Further performance enhancement is possible with the introduction
of internal lubricants such as PTFE or molybdenum disulphide. Experience
in Thermoplastic Elastomers is additionally offered including process
recommendation for two shot moulding and bonding onto other thermoplastic
surfaces, e.g. nylon or PP.
NEPPCO can offer the processor the knowledge and experience of its
members to benefit the most demanding of applications. Why not contact
us for more information.
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