https://www.avient.com/sites/default/files/2022-11/Smarter Materials High Performance Thermoplastics.pdf
Following are top reasons why many manufacturers and designers choose
high-performance thermoplastics:
• High-temperature resistance • Chemical resistance
• Flame/smoke/toxicity (FST) performance • Chemically inert
PLUS, ALL
THE BENEFITS
OF PLASTIC
In addition to their elite-level properties,
high-performance thermoplastics deliver
the typical advantages of polymers over
other material types such as metal, glass and
ceramic, including:
• Light weight
• Design freedom/part consolidation
• Easy colorability
• Efficient, high-volume processing
• Elimination of secondary operations
• Enhanced product experience
for the end user
- quieter environment
- improved tactile feel
- better usability
ADVANTAGES
Going Above
and Beyond
• Amorphous structure
• High marks for toughness, chemical resistance,
hydrolytic stability, resistance to boiling water,
and extreme thermal capabilities
• Best for: aerospace interiors, hot water fittings,
and medical and dental devices that are
subjected to repeated steam sterilization
• Also used in food equipment exposed to
temperature extremes, such as coffeemakers
or freezer-to-microwave cookware
Polyaryletherketones
Polysulfones
Liquid crystal polymers
Polyetherimides
Polyphenylene sulfides
There are five
major families of
high-performance
thermoplastics
P
O
LY
AR
YL
ET
H
ER
K
ET
O
N
ES
P
O
LY
SU
LF
O
N
ES• Semi-crystalline structure
• High marks for thermal stability, chemical
resistance and mechanical properties over
a wide temperature range
• Better-than-average levels of combustion
resistance and electrical performance
• Some PAEK materials, like polyetheretherketone
(PEEK), are also extremely tough and have
excellent impact strength
• Best for: aerospace, automotive, industrial
and medical components
• May be used to create stock shapes such as
rods, bars, and tubes
All in the Family
P
O
LY
P
H
EN
YL
EN
E
SU
LF
ID
ES • Semi-crystalline structure
• Excellent temperature resistance with continuous
service temperatures up to 230°C
• High marks for modulus and resistance to creep,
corrosion, and chemicals
• Above-average electrical properties
• Best for: complex parts with extremely tight
tolerances; often used as an alternative to metals
and thermosets in automotive underhood parts,
appliances, electronics, and industrial applications
Polyaryletherketones
Polysulfones
Liquid crystal polymers
Polyetherimides
Polyphenylene sulfides
There are five
major families of
high-performance
thermoplastics
P
O
LY
ET
H
ER
IM
ID
ES
LI
Q
U
ID
C
R
YS
TA
L
P
O
LY
M
ER
S • Semi-crystalline structure
• High degree of anisotropy: strength, stiffness
and thermal expansion will be greater in one
direction vs. the other
• High marks for temperature, chemical
and electrical resistance
• Exceptional mechanical strength
and high flow rates; often used to fill
extremely long parts with thin walls
• Best for: electronic connectors, sensors,
bullet-resistant vests, jet engine enclosures,
brake and transmission friction parts, and gaskets
• Amorphous structure
• High marks for thermal, mechanical,
and chemical properties
• Often selected for demanding applications requiring
ultra-high mechanical strength combined with high
temperature, corrosion and wear resistance
• Impact resistance may be lower than
that of PSUs and PAEKs
• Best for: aerospace interiors, automotive lighting,
medical devices, and electrical and fiber optic
connectors
All in the Family
Source: https://www.craftechind.com/standard-and-custom-parts-in-high-performance-plastics/
TEMPERATURE AND MATERIAL TYPE
The two broad classifications of high-performance thermoplastics—amorphous and semi-crystalline—
have different temperature characteristics.
The metal used for FFF dies depends on the polymer:
unfilled materials can use softer brass dies, while fiber-reinforced materials
need harder steel to prevent premature wear.
Regarded as some of the highest performing
thermoplastics in the industry, these light and versatile alternatives to metals and ceramics can
accept the challenges posed by a broad range of applications and industries.
https://www.avient.com/sites/default/files/2024-09/Colorant Chromatics Brochure_2024.pdf
For high-temperature polymers:
• Permanent service temperature >150°C
• Biocompatibility
• Good insulator
• Good barrier properties
• Chemical resistance
• Flame retardancy
• Transparency
For fluoropolymers:
• Outstanding chemical resistance
• Low friction (non-sticking)
• Excellent weatherability
• Excellent barrier properties
• Flame retardancy
• Temperature resistance (up to 260°C)
• Dielectric properties
Our customers supply products to the following
industries:
• Aircraft & aerospace: wire and cable systems,
films, tapes, molded parts, interior components,
connectors, tubes & hoses
• Automotive & trucks: wire & cable systems,
tubes, fuel hoses
• Chemical industry: wire & cable, pipes & fittings,
pump housing
• Consumer: infant bottles, trays
• Medical devices: molded parts for dental and
surgical tools, catheters, tubing for cardioscopy,
pacemakers
• Electrical & electronics: wire & cable systems,
molded parts, tapes
• Communication: plenum cables, connectors
• Textiles: fibers, fabrics
• Construction & architecture: films,
pipes & fittings
COLORS
• 10 standard colors in various
concentrate strengths
• Pre-colored products
• Heavy metal-free colors
• Special color design upon request using Pantone®
or RAL color standards
• Customized pigment loadings can be provided
to address specialized coloration needs
• Laser printable colors are available together with
metallic effects
Color concentrate selection must take into account
the following extrusion design requirements for the
following typical applications:
PRIMARY WIRE INSULATION
• Desired opacity or translucency
of the insulation
• Wall thickness
• Conductor size and color
• Line speeds
• Processor screw design
• Insulation electrical requirements
• FDA compliance
• Biocompatible
WIRE & CABLE JACKETING
• Desired opacity or translucency
• Wall thickness
• Processor screw design
• Laser markability
FILM, TUBING, & PROFILE SHAPES
• Desired opacity or translucency
• Wall thickness
• Extrusion dwell time and processing temperatures
INJECTION MOLDING
• Desired opacity or translucency
• Part size and wall thickness
FP concentrates and pre-colored solutions for:
PFA, FEP, ECA, ETFE, ECTFE, PTFE, and PVDF
HTP concentrates and pre-colored solutions for:
PEI, PES, PSU, PPSU, PPS, LCP, PEEK, PAEK, and
PEKEKK
COLOR
CONCENTRATES
& PRECOLORED
SOLUTIONS
Colorant Chromatics color and additive or pre-colored
concentrates are offered in various strengths and in different
viscosities of carrier resins to suit the manufacturing process.
10 standard colors
• All colors are heavy metal-free
• Special color matches can be done upon request
using Pantone® or RAL
color standards
• Customized pigment loadings can be provided to
address specialized coloration needs
• Functional additives can be provided
to address tailored properties
Let-down ratios and specific processing suggestions
are provided in the product data sheet available from
your Avient representative.
Inks for: FEP, ETFE, PFA, ECTFE, PVdF, Polyimide,
PTFE, PEEK
• 10 standard colors
• All colors are heavy metal free
• Other colors available upon request
HIGH-TEMPERATURE PRINTING &
STRIPING INKS
These are aqueous inks used for printing, striping,
or top coating on high-temperature resins.
https://www.avient.com/resource-center?document_type=0&industry=0&product_family=1688&product_subfamily=0&product_name=0&op=FILTER RESULTS&form_id=resource_filter_form&page=1
Provides structural performance that can go head-to-head with metals at a fraction of the weight
Complēt™ long carbon fiber reinforced nylon composite replaced metal steering column supports and lowered weight by 50%
Craftech Non-Metallic Fasteners
https://www.avient.com/idea/enhance-electric-vehicle-battery-design-and-performance
Lightweighting
,
Metal Replacement
,
Sustainability
,
Transportation
Polymers have a considerably lower density than metal, allowing for lighter and more energy-efficient batteries.
Polymers can be processed at a lower cost than metals, reducing overall material expenses.
https://www.avient.com/sites/default/files/2023-03/Playground Equipment Application Snapshot.pdf
R E C R E AT I O N A L
E Q U I P M E N T
M A N U FA C T U R E R
P L A Y G R O U N D E Q U I P M E N T
• Protection from harsh elements and weathering
• Coating solution to protect children against metal
abrasions
• Range of bright colors
• Formulated without phthalates
• Provided vinyl coating solutions to protect
against the effects of harsh weather, and to
protect children from potential scrapes and
scratches
• Incorporated antimicrobial and UV additives
to resist mold growth
• Offered brightly colored, non-phthalate
plastisol formulations
CORE™ Non-Phthalate Plastisols
KEY REQUIREMENTS
WHY AVIENT?
https://www.avient.com/sites/default/files/2021-02/complet-lft-automotive-removable-roof-bracket.pdf
AUTOMOTIVE
OEM
S U V R E M O V A B L E R O O F
P A N E L L O C K I N G B R A C K E T
• Lower weight by replacing cast steel
• High stiffness & strength requirements to mimic metal
performance
• Critical dimensional tolerances to safely secure removable
roof panels
• Lowered weight by over four pounds per
vehicle to achieve 80% reduction with
carbon fiber reinforced composite
• Provided injection molded material solution
to simplify fabrication and eliminate need for
powder-coating finish
Complēt™ Long Carbon Fiber PPA Composite
KEY REQUIREMENTS WHY AVIENT?
https://www.avient.com/sites/default/files/2021-01/case-study-one-pager-lubrione-switchgear-plunger.pdf
G L O B A L E L E C T R I C A L
E Q U I P M E N T P R OV I D E R
S W I T C H G E A R P L U N G E R
• Customer looking to replace metal.
https://www.avient.com/sites/default/files/2023-09/Case Study - Nymax REC - off-road vehicle.pdf
O F F - ROA D V E H I C L E
M A N U FAC T U R E R
S T R U C T U R A L B O D Y
C O M P O N E N T S
• Replace metal and consolidate parts
• High strength
• Structural stiffness
• Durability
• Reduced manufacturing complexity while
maintaining strength
• Leveraged Avient Design services to
achieve consolidated part design
• Conducted mold flow analysis and guided
material selection using technical and
application expertise
Nymax™ REC Recycled Nylon Formulation –
ND 1233 Grade
KEY REQUIREMENTS
WHY AVIENT?
https://www.avient.com/sites/default/files/2021-04/case-study-one-pager-gravi-tech-toothbrush-base.pdf
I TA L I A N M O L D E R &
PA RT P RO D U C E R
L U X U R Y T O O T H B R U S H B A S E
• Density 4.0 SG
• Low water absorption
• Good mechanical performance
• Chemical resistance to toothpaste and cleaning products
• Worked in close collaboration with customer
to fully understand material requirements
• Provided an alternative to metal with the
processing and recyclability benefits of a
polymer
• Enabled customer to launch innovative new
product into the market winning Red Dot
Design Award
Gravi-Tech™ Density Modified Formulations
KEY REQUIREMENTS
WHY AVIENT?
https://www.avient.com/sites/default/files/2022-09/Dynaflex - Disc Golf Discs - Application Snapshot.pdf
SPORTS
EQUIPMENT OEM
D I S C G O L F D I S C S
• Replace incumbent polymer with an alternative material that
offered consistent supply and comparable performance
• Colorable and able to support product differentiation using
special effects
• Grippy but not tacky
• Ability to meet varying flexibilities and weights
• Professional Disc Golf Association approval
• Presented a TPE with diverse durometers to support
a range of disc capabilities, weights and grip features
• Delivered a durable material with good flow
characteristics for simple and economical production
• Provided a natural, easy-to-color material with good
UV resistance
• Offered a breadth of material and specialty services
to enable product line expansion using metallic
effects, polymer additives, and additional material
formulations
Dynaflex™ Thermoplastic Elastomers
KEY REQUIREMENTS
WHY AVIENT?