A DuPont Engineering Polymers breakthrough in polymer science now makes it possible to thermoform and decorate housings, panels and other products delivering the superior performance of DuPont™ Delrin® acetal resin. New DuPont™ Delrin® Forming Solutions are making their debut at NPE 2003 as part of an expanded offering of engineering polymers and technology delivering improved functionality, aesthetics and processing productivity.
"With Delrin® Forming Solutions, processors can thermoform equipment housings, trays, conveyor chutes, and a host of other parts with an unmatched combination of chemical and solvent resistance, scratch resistance, low wear and friction, spring-like properties, creep and fatigue resistance, toughness and strength," said Karla Butler, product manager. "In situations where polycarbonate or ABS cannot be used because of insufficient chemical resistance or lubricity, for example, Delrin® Forming Solutions could fill the need."
An array of colorful decorative effects are also possible with Delrin® Forming Solutions. "Product designers can meet goals for appearance and functionality with painting, printing, in-mold coating, foil stamping and other decorating methods," Butler added. To make it easy, DuPont has developed special paints and an etching solution as part of its Delrin® Decorating Solutions offering.
Freetech Plastics, Inc., Fremont, Calif., is in the forefront in developing commercial thermoformed parts in Delrin®. Market development manager Jack Stritch said, "Our initial efforts show that manufacturers of medical and dental equipment and biochemical research products value the superior chemical and solvent resistance of Delrin® in thermoformed housings, trays, handles and other parts." For additional information, contact Freetech Plastics at 510-651-9996 or visit www.freetechplastics.com.
Penn Fibre Plastics Inc., Bensalem, Pa., is taking the lead in supplying thermoformable sheet made of Delrin®. The company is offering coil stock with thickness ranging from 0.010 to 0.093 inch (0.25 to 2.4 millimeter), and up to 24 inches (610 mm) wide. Precut sheets are also available, from 0.030 to 0.250 inch (0.76 to 6.35 millimeter) in thickness, stock sizes up to 48 inches (1220 mm) wide, custom sizes up to 1250 mm wide and in any length, according to Penn Fibre. For additional information, call 800-662-7366 or visit www.pennfibre.com.
"In addition to working with thermoformers on immediate application opportunities, we’re also actively exploring markets with long-range potential," Butler said. Examples include automotive interior panels, major appliance components, shower stalls, artificial ice skating surfaces, furniture parts and components for winter sports equipment such as snowboards, skis or sleds.
DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by solving problems and creating solutions that make people’s lives better, safer and easier. Operating in more than 70 countries, the company offers a wide range of products and services to markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.
