 |
STRATOR® |
 |
|
 |
|
 is a new, innovative line of thermoplastics, that achieves extremely high mecha-
nical and thermal properties, in combination with easy processing and fast cycle
times. |
|
Compared to high temperature polymers such as PEEK, PPS or PPA, STRATOR®
achieves higher mechanical performance, particularly in the range of 80-180 °C.
On top this, STRATOR® does not suffer from the problems that beset the
traditional high temperature plastics, such as high raw material costs, high
processing costs, mould temperatures far in excess of 130 °C and a narrow
processing window. |
|
The high mechanical performance is achieved through a glassfibre network that
is formed during injection moulding. This glass fibre network ensures an optimal
transfer of forces from the polymer matrix the reinforcing fibres, similar to long
fibre reinforced thermoplastics |
|
| Key advantages of the STRATOR® fibre structure |
|
 high strength, particularly at high temperatures
high stiffness and only limited loss of stiffness over temperature
excellent resistance to long term loades and highly fatigue resistant
isotropic mechanical properties and isotropic shrinkage
high shear strength and high burst pressure
excellent surface finish |
|
| Metal substitution with STRATOR® |
|
Many components that are currently manufactured in metal can be produced at
lower cost and lower weight in high strength plastics. Compared to metals,
plastics offer a number of significant advantages: |
|
faster production cycles
lower investment in equipment and tooling
elimination of finishing operation such as machining or painting
no corrosion problems |
|
| Comparison of mechanical properties |
|
In comparison to die cast metal alloys, STRATOR® has similar mechanical
performance over a temperature range from -30 to +200 °C. STRATOR® has
similar load bearing capabilities as magnesium and zinc alloys, and even
approaches the performance of die-cast aluminium up to 180 °C. The stiffness of
metals as such is superior; however STRATOR® affords greater design
freedom, allowing parts to reach similar stiffness through strategic placement of
thin-walled ribs. |
|
| Creep resistance |
|
STRATOR® has better high temperature creep resistance than many metal
alloys, like for instance Zamac 3 or Magnesium AZ91D. Special creep resistant
alloys like Magnesium AE42 or Aluminium A380 do resist somewhat higher creep
loads. Compared to metals, STRATOR® can absorb higher creep strains before
creep rupture occurs. For most metals a creep strain of 0.1% is considered as
the limit, whereas STRATOR® can absorb around 0.8 - 1.0 % overall strain. |
|
| Summary |
|
In many cases, STRATOR® provides a cost-effective alternative to die-cast
metals as well as compounds based on expensive base-polymers such as PEEK,
PPS or PPA. |
