TAGS: Medical
Metal Replacement
Thermoplastic Composites
Solvay has announced that its Xencor™ LFT compounds deliver high strength and enhanced impact resistance for structural applications. These long glass fiber-reinforced thermoplastics (LFT) offer healthcare designers and OEMs new opportunities to replace metal and traditional short fiber thermoplastics used in structural medical components. Typical applications include chassis, gear systems and components needing high mechanical properties and load-bearing capabilities.
LFT Compounds with Multiple Properties
Solvay’s pultrusion manufacturing process produces continuous and highly aligned glass fiber-reinforced Xencor™ LFT compounds that provide better retention of mechanical properties at elevated temperatures along with very low creep, outstanding fatigue resistance and excellent surface finish. Depending on the polymer and grade, Xencor™ LFT compounds can contain between 30 to 60 percent long fiber reinforcement.
Metal-to-Plastic Replacement Product Portfolio
“
Xencor™ LFT compounds enhance our already robust metal-to-plastic replacement product portfolio for medical equipment,’’ said Jeff Hrivnak, global business manager for Healthcare at Solvay Specialty Polymers global business unit. “
As is typical with our portfolio, Xencor™ LFT products stand up to aggressive disinfectants needed in healthcare and can reduce overall manufacturing costs through the use of high-speed injection molding.’’
The advantages of using Xencor™ LFT compounds over metals include lighter weight, expanded design freedom, superior chemical resistance and streamlined processing. These benefits were recently demonstrated with the development of the first all-polymer e-bike from Stavjelo for which certain technical requirements can be applied to medical equipment.
The Xencor™ LFT portfolio is comprised of grades based on select Solvay semi-crystalline resin systems: Ryton® polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), Amodel® polyphthalamide (PPA) and Ixef® polyarylamide (PARA).
Solvay had showcased these new materials at MD&M West 2020.
Source: Solvay