Materials (July 01, 2004)

Molding compounds kill SARS virus and other bacteria

A series of antiviral and antimicrobial molding compounds is available from Sweden-based specialty chemicals company Perstorp AB. The Polygiene compounds are targeted for molding electrical devices such as light switches and switch plates, sanitary ware such as toilet seats, as well as other public surfaces such as door handles, hand rails, elevator buttons and public phones.

A patent pending formulation in the compounds is the first proven to kill the SARS Coronavirus on contact. It also kills a wide range of bacteria, yeasts and molds.

Polymers with the Polygiene technology can be injection or compression molded.

Perstorp Compounds Inc. 413-584-2472

Overmolding TPEs bond to modified nylons

Nylon is often a difficult material to overmold with TPEs and achieve good adhesion, especially when dealing with heat-stabilized or impact-modified grades. GLS Corp.’s new Versaflex OM 6100 Series of nylon overmolding TPEs is designed to provide a superior bond to most types of standard and modified nylons, including heat-stabilized, lubricated and impact-modified products.

Two new grades, OM 6160 and OM 6175, offer 60 and 75 Shore A hardness values, and provide a soft, rubbery feel with a matte appearance. The materials are suitable for both insert molding and multi-shot processes.

According to GLS, the OM 6100 materials also have a wide processing window, compared with other nylon overmolding resins on the market.

GLS Corp. 800-457-8777

High modulus nylon 6 is lighter and molds more quickly

Akulon Ultraflow K-FG0 polyamide 6 (PA6) resin from DSM Engineering Plastics is a high-flow grade with 50% glass-fiber reinforcement, combining high modulus with improved aesthetics.

Akulon Ultraflow K-FG0 was recently selected by a major European molder to replace a competing nylon 6,6 compound in an automotive seat back adjuster handle. The new handle with Akulon Ultraflow exhibits good surface finish, is 14% lighter, requires 22% shorter cycle time, and costs 25% less than the nylon 6,6 part.

The replaced part needed a metal insert to achieve acceptable stiffness, whereas the seat adjuster handle made with high-modulus Akulon Ultraflow K-FG0 requires no insert.

The good surface finish of DSM’s new highly reinforced formulation is achieved through better wetting-out of the glass fibers.

The Akulon Ultraflow family provides up to 80-percent greater flow and up to 40-percent cycle time reduction in injection molding when compared to standard PA6 or PA66 grades, with no significant loss of mechanical properties.

DSM Engineering Plastics 800-263-6895