Polyolefins Spotlight

Polyethylene (PE) and Polypropylene (PP) are two of the largest volume thermoplastics used today and are available in a wide range of grades and formulations. PE is commonly grouped into Low, Medium and High density formulations’ and PP is available in homopolymer and copolymer formulations. The various formulations of these popular polyolefins impart a wide range of properties making them appropriate for countless applications. Generally speaking, polyolefins are tough, chemical resistant and offer good electrical properties with a low coefficient of friction and moisture absorption. They are relatively lightweight and easy to fabricate. Polyolefins find proven applications in a wide range of markets from medical and chemical to toys and sporting goods and oil and gas to food processing and marine. Following is an overview of a variety of materials from sheet, rod and tube to massive shapes and profiles.

Close Tolerance Rod

Artek offers rod dowelling services to provide close tolerance Duravar® rod stock with excellent concentricity to meet the needs of today’s critical machine and job shop operations.

Artek is a leading supplier of UHMW rod stock to the plastic distribution market place. Their full line of extruded UHMW-PE rod is offered in diameters from 1/4" up through 10" in virgin, reprocessed and enhanced formulations. Artek provides a large range of standard diameters, dowelled to close tolerance, ranging from 1" up through 3" diameter. In addition they will quote custom dowelled diameters upon request.

Their dowelling system provides excellent diameter concentricity with tolerances as close as +/- .003" to help improve secondary machining processes.

The rod is available in a variety of standard and custom colors that meet FDA and USDA requirements. Artek can also color match to meet the needs of the project. In addition to the traditional 5' and l0' industry standard lengths, Artek can provide up to 20' lengths.

Full Sheet Stock

Artek’s in-line stress relieving process reduces stress, improves productivity and minimizes waste when cutting this prime material into blocks or strips. The sheet has excellent surface finish and thickness consistency. Sheet sizes are 48" x 96" and 48" x 120"– in thickness from 1/8” up to 2".

For additional information, contact Randall Kirkpatrick, Artek, Inc., 3311 Enterprise Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46808, 800-762-6808, Fax: 260-484-6914, Web: www.artek-inc.com.

UHMW-PE High Bond Tape

CS Hyde’s new tape has all the benefits of strong, slippery, abrasion-resistant UHMW-PE tape, plus a super-high bond adhesive. UHMW High Bond is an excellent choice for difficult to- bond, low surface energy surfaces such as plastic, powder-coated, foam, oily metals or slightly textured materials. UHMW-HB even sticks to high slip surfaces: Teflon®, Acrylic, PE, Glass, etc.

Bond strength of this product increases with time and temperature. High humidity has minimal effect. UHMWHB is also water and chemical resistant. UHMW substrate is FDA and USDA approved.

UHMW thickness ranges from .005" to .060". The adhesive is .002” thick: black semi-conductive, anti-static product is also available. Widths range from .5" up to 24". It is sold in rolls, sheets, continuous footage and custom diecut shapes.

For additional information, contact Tiffany Hoerle, CS Hyde Company, 1351 N. Milwaukee Ave., Lake Villa, IL 60046, 847-395-0325, Fax: 847-395-0334, E-mail: sales@cshyde.com, Web: www.cshyde.com.

30% GF Polypropylene GEHR Plastics offers GEHR Polypropylene, which demonstrates a high mechanical and tensile strength and is coupled with great impact strength. GEHR Polypropylene resists stress cracking and is easy to weld. Chemical and electrical properties are excellent and operating temperatures range between 41°F to 210°F. Characteristics include low density, low moisture absorption, good heat resistance, high chemical resistance, high tensile strength, high surface strength but low abrasion resistance. Natural is copolymer resin and colored is homopolymer.

GEHR also offers GEHR HiPro® 30% glass reinforced polypropylene. This material maintains the excellent chemical and corrosion resistance of unfilled PP with added superior dimensional stability (CLTE = 3.0 x 10-5 in/in/°F), higher surface stiffness, higher temperature resistance with a Heat Deflection Temperature of +311°F and much better compressive strength. The color is black and is targeted for higher temperature chemical applications where cost is an issue.

For additional information, contact Bill Shields, GEHR Plastics USA, 24 Creek Circle, Boothwyn, PA 19061, 800-PVC-GEHR/610-497-8941, Fax: 610-497-8901, E-mail: info@gehrplastics.com, Web: www.gehrplastics.com.

Improved Medical Grade Polypropylene Line

Ensinger, Inc. has set the standard for quality and innovation with their line of products developed specifically for medical applications. Tops among them is the TECAPRO™ MT line, a polypropylene based product with exceptionally low residual stress characteristics that facilitate the fabrication of dimensionally stable parts consisting of varying cross sections. The material can withstand repeated hot steam sterilization procedures without deforming and has a high resistance to detergents and disinfectants. This has historically made it an excellent material choice for surgical caddies and instrument handles.

Until now however, users who wanted to design parts in colors other than white had little choice because of those colors’ inability to receive laser etched markings of significant contrast to render the markings readable. Ensinger has now developed a black TECAPRO MT that contains an additive that enhances the material’s ability to receive laser etching. Markings laser etched into this new black material are so clear, they appear to be silk-screened. Engineers and designers alike will be drawn to this material for its versatility, and its stability.

For additional information, contact Bruce Dickinson, Ensinger, Inc., 365 Meadowlands Blvd., Washington, PA 15301, 856-227-0500, Fax: 724-746-9209, E-mail: sales@ensinger-ind.com, Web: www.ensinger-online.com.

Stock Tank Couplings

Fabricated and molded tank manufacturers are finding there is no longer a need for trips to a machine shop because economical heavy-duty tank couplings, designed for their application, are now available. IPW tank couplings are easy to install and are sized to fit standard hole saw dimensions. They have a shoulder that gauges installation depth and provides for guaranteed square installations on flat surfaces. The shoulder also provides better weld strength and easy installation on round tanks. The shoulder and the low profile design, combined with thick cross sections, practically eliminate couplings shearing off from side impact. The thick cross-sections prevent the splitting commonly seen with FPT threaded couplings. IPW features sizes 1/2" through 4" from stock in natural HDPE, black HDPE, natural PP and black Type II (copolymer) PP. Eurogray PP, PVDF, PVC and CPVC materials and sizes 1/8" to 24" are now available on request. IPW provides full couplings when interior piping is needed and for vertical installations on domed tanks.

For additional information, contact Phil Holt, Industrial Plastic Works, 6220 Enterprise Drive, Knoxville, TN 37909, 800-966-1450, Fax: 865-637-4540, E-mail: sales@ipw.us.com, Web: www.ipw.us.com.

Boosting Sales Through Innovation

Every plastics distributor and fabricator knows innovation is the key to growth. Sometimes a new product simply provides an “excuse” to reach out to an old contact. But sometimes a new product can open up entire categories of prospects and lucrative new business opportunities. King MicroShield® by King Plastic Corporation is just such an innovation. King MicroShield is a new kind of anti-microbial now available in many of King Plastic’s sheet products for medical, laboratory and institutional applications. It helps products stay cleaner between cleanings and inhibits the growth of productdamaging microorganisms, including bacteria, algae and fungi on the surface. Microbe cell walls that come into contact with the material are physically destroyed on contact, without creating opportunities for adaptive or resistant strains to form. It is bonded at the atomic level throughout the sheet, so it retains its effectiveness for the life of the product and will not leach out and harm the environment.

King Plastic Corporation has a history of innovation spanning more than four decades. The North Port, Florida-based company manufactures dozens of varieties of polymer sheets, slabs and massive shapes used in a broad range of applications. These include waterproof cabinetry and casegoods (commercial and residential), restroom partitions, pipe-grade and chemical-resistant fabrications, cutting boards, signage, neutron shielding and, of course, boat parts.

For additional information, contact Lou Stegner, King Plastic Corporation, 1100 N. Toledo Blade Blvd., North Port, Florida 34288, 941-493-5502, Fax: 941-497-3274, E-mail: sales@kingplastic.com, Web: www.kingplastic.com.

PE Channels

Petro Extrusion Technologies Inc., (PET Inc.) specializes in engineering grade thermoplastics as well as custom and stock products in low, linear low, medium and highdensity polyethylene. PET, Inc. carries a stock line of 6 different PE channel shapes. The stock channels can also be made-to order in any desired cut lengths. PET Inc., also produces an endless variety of custom shapes and tube sizes ranging from 1/32” diameter up to 6” diameter. Petro has custom co-extrusion capability and can extrude in any combination of compatible PE materials or colors as your requirement dictates. They specialize in neon and specialty custom colors, as well as all standard colors.

For additional information, contact Robert Petrozziello, Petro Extrusion Technologies, Inc., P. O. Box 99, 490 South Ave., Garwood, NJ 07027, 800-229-3338/908-789-3338, Fax: 908-789-0434, E-mail: rpetro@petroextrusion.com, Web: www.petroextrusion.com.

Hex Rod

Plastic Products, Inc. (P.P.I.) offers hexagonal rod machined to close tolerance (+/-.005”) starting at sizes of 3/8” across the flats. Hex rod is available from engineered materials including Nylon, Delrin®, UHMW, Polypropylene, Polysulfone, P.E.E.K., Noryl®, Ultem®, Teflon® and many more.

P.P.I. can supply hex rod in lengths of 5, 8 or 10 foot. Other lengths can be quoted upon request. P.P.I. is also one of the largest stocking distributors of plastic rod on the east coast and can supply rod in a large variety of materials cut to any length.

For additional information, contact David Windt, Plastic Products, Inc., P.O. Box 188, Bessemer City, NC 28016, 800-752-7770/704-739-7463, Fax: 704-739-5566, E-mail: dwindt@plastic-products.com, Web: www.plasticproducts.com or www.HexRod.com.

PP Stock Shapes

Plastifab Industries offers a comprehensive product line of standard stock shapes in Low Density, High Density and Polypropylene commonly known as polyolefins.

Polyolefins find proven applications in markets such as medical, chemical, toys, sporting goods, oil and gas and food processing. LDPE, HDPE and polypropylene rods are available in sizes ranging from 1/8” to 16” diameter in natural and black. Polyolefin heavy wall tubular bar is offered with a minimum ID of 2” through and OD of 22”.

Semi-rigid polyolefin tubing is a mainstay in oil, hydraulic fluid, water and beverage transfer, oil and gas and is available in Diameters as small as .170" inside in natural and a wide selection of colors. Welding rods are available in LDPE, HDPE and polypropylene and are used in conjunction with sheet and plate to fabricate tanks, tank liners and boxes for corrosive environments. Polyolefin standard stock shapes are typically manufactured from FDA-approved resins and meet USDA, NSF and Canadian Department of Agri cul - tural requirements for direct food contact.

For additional information, contact Plastifab Industries, 7777 Transcanadienne, Saint Laurent, Quebec, H4S 1L3, Canada, 800-361-4774/514-325-9840, Fax: 514-325-5222, E-mail: infoprod@plastifab.ca, Web: www.plastifab.ca.

Multi Wall PP Sheet

Polygal offers a unique 8mm polypropylene sheet for the building materials and commercial greenhouse markets. The sheet, designed for use as side and end walls in the greenhouse market, can also be specified and installed for interior applications in the architectural market where privacy and/or back lighting is desired. The new 8mm polypropylene sheet by Polygal is UV protected through the entire sheet, not just co-extruded on one or two surfaces.

For additional information, contact Nick Koszegi, Polygal, Inc., P. O. Box 410592, Charlotte, NC 28241, 800-527-0095, Fax: 704-588-7400, E-mail sales@polygal.com, Web: www.polygal.com.

Detectable Plastic for Food Processing

Röchling Engineering Plastics now offers a ground breaking solution to the ever present risk of contamination of food during its processing and production: Polystone® M MDT. This sophisticated engineering plastic caters to the food processing industry and enables food processors to detect contamination early and therefore avoid significant potential financial losses. The unique additives in this product allow it to be easily traced by standard metal detectors while continuing to provide the outstanding wear-resistance and sliding properties you would expect from Polystone M (UHMW-PE). Designed to replace machined parts made from steel and lower performing plastics, this engineering polymer has high-impact strength, is easily machined and has no moisture absorption. Polystone® M MDT complies with FDA regulations concerning direct contact with food. Every food processor that utilizes metal detectors in their processing or packaging operations can easily realize the advantages of Polystone M MDT.

For additional information, contact Birgit Moecks, Röchling Engineered Plastics, P.O. Box 2729, Gastonia, NC 28053, 704-922-7814, Fax: 704-922-1835, E-mail: info@roechling-plastics.us, Web: www.roechling-plastics.us.

Increased Production & Stock

SIMONA increases production, stocking and service capability at new Hazleton plant. At the new location, SIMONA AMERICA has expanded its stocking programs in HDPE and copolymer polypropylene to service markets like pipe grade, orthotics and prosthetics, chemical/corrosions resistance and general industrial products. In addition to these increased stock levels in sheet, SIMONA tripled its inventory of PVC and polyolefin rod stock with rod diameters ranging from 1/4” to 32”. “Being responsive to growing customer needs according to John Ploskonka, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, “is the cornerstone for our customers’ success and ultimately our success.” John adds, “Delivering quality products and service requires ongoing investment and focus and SIMONA AMERICA made that commitment to our customer success through the investment in the plant. A private rail siding capable of holding over one million pounds of product was completed in 2008. Having the ability to hedge against this year’s escalating resin allowed us to provide real savings to our customers. We see our flexibility as strength in meeting changing customer schedules and requirements.”

For additional information, contact John Ploskonka, SIMONA AMERICA Inc., 64 N. Conahan Drive, Hazleton PA 18201, 866-501-2992, Fax: 800-522-4857, E-mail: mail@simona-america.com, Web: www.simona-america.com.

Polyolefin Website Directory
Artek, Inc.	www.artek-inc.com
CS Hyde Company	www.cshyde.com
GEHR Plastics USA	www.gehrplastics.com
Ensinger, Inc.	www.ensinger-online.com
Industrial Plastic Works	www.ipw.us.com
King Plastic Corporation	www.kingplastic.com
Petro Extrusion Technologies, Inc	www.petroextrusion.com
Plastic Products, Inc.	www.plastic-products.com//www.hexrod.com
Plastifab Industries	www.plastifab.ca
Polygal, Inc.	www.polygal.com
Röchling Engineered Plastics	www.roechling-plastics.us
SIMONA AMERICA Inc.	www.simona-america.com