Imidized polymers, once thought too exotic for all but aerospace components, now serve in more down-to-earth applications thanks to optimized formulations and broader processing options. Edited by Jean M. Hoffman Terry Swavely, manager of quality at Quadrant EPP's R&D lab, oversees testing of incoming raw material. The tests determine property data for every shape or material combination the company offers. Tests simulate targeted applications generating relevant data for prospective customers. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) shows the influence of temperature on the mechanical properties of various polyimides. DMA testing involves flexing a bar of the material and continuously measuring the modulus as the temperature increases at a rate of 3.6°F/min. Static dissipative fixtures made from a polyamideimide (PAI) hold packaged semiconductors during rigorous testing. The PAI called Semitron ESd 520HR retains its ESD properties at temperatures up to 500°F. Rings that hold silicon wafers during etching are machined from a polybenzimidazole (PBI) polymer called Celazole. The PBI withstands aggressive chemicals and etch temperatures of 500°F. The relative changes in the dimensions of samples of unfilled imidized polymers on heating to their recommended continuous-use temperatures (ASTM E-831/TMA Method). A flywheel for a powergeneration system is machined from Torlon 4203 PAI (polyamideimide). The lightweight flywheel withstands high rpm's even at temperatures over 300°F. The solid-fuel power system serves as a backup for cellphone switches and hospital applications where even brief interruptions in power can cause problems. A wide range of semiconductor-device handling parts are machined from polyetherimide. This conductive PEI based material called Semitron ESd 410C has a heat-deflection temperature (at 264 psi) of 392°F. Designers of the B-2 Stealth Bomber or Lunar Lander probably didn't hesitate specifying imidized polymers for their designs. But though these materials are tough and ultralight, some designers see them as too exotic for mainstream uses. This perception, plus a need for high processing temperatures, together have kept this class of polymers out of wide deployment. Now, however, the situation has changed. Techniques for processing imidized polymers today routinely include compression molding, extrusion, and injection molding. Flexible processing
Products & Services
Bumpers
Bumpers are elastomeric hardware devices used for edge protection, cushioning, and impact absorption.
Dock Equipment
Dock equipment covers all items that assist in the loading and unloading of materials from trucks to buildings. Dock equipment categories include dock boards, dock bumpers, dock seals, dock levelers, dock lights, dock shelters, dock doors, dock restraints, dock guides, and dock chocks.
Marine Fenders
Marine fenders are used between marine vessels and docking structures to prevent damage during berthing. They are also used to protect ships during cargo transfers at sea.
Inflatable Seals
Inflatable seals are elastomeric tubes designed to round out with the introduction of a medium (usually air) to form an tight barrier between a mounting and striking surface.
Product Announcements
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The ASB Safety Bumper is available in lengths up to 3,000 mm (9.8 ft). Special designs and special shapes available on request.
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The ASB Safety Bumper is available in lengths up to 3,000 mm (9.8 ft). Special designs and special shapes available on request.
(read more)
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Safety bumpers are used on transport vehicles, high-reach forklifts, and in applications where overtravel and cushioning is critical. The short response time of the actuated bumper initiates an...
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Modern production methods, constantly increasing working speeds and increasing demands for ergonomic working environment make greater demands on existing industrial bumper and crane bumper systems.
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ACE Controls Inc., the world leader in deceleration technology, has expanded their product offerings to include TUBUS elastomer bumpers for consistently solving energy absorption problems where other...
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Topics of Interest
A radical technique that insert-molds a 1.5-in.-diameter chrome tube inside glass-filled polypropylene (PP) gave a brush grille guard for GM SUVs and trucks the top automotive prize in an annual...
Reaction-injection molding has become a premier polyurethanemolding process that offers automotive engineers versatility in the materials used to produce high-quality, highly styled parts.
ACE Magnum Group shock absorbers, which include adjustable and selfcompensating models, offer up to 3.9 times the effective weight capacity of standard models without increasing size or cost.
ACE Magnum Group shock absorbers, which include adjustable and self-compensating models, offer up to 3.9 times the effective weight capacity of standard models without increasing size or cost.
HANDLING DESCRIPTION: Transferring pairs of cable reels from the staging dock to a flat bed trailer.
PROBLEM: The common procedure is to put a lifting bar through the reels' axle hole and lift with a...
