DSM MATERIALS DELIVER HIGH PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES FOR CONVOLUTED TUBING APPLICATIONS

For convoluted tubing, DSM Engineering Plastics – a business group within the DSM N.V. (Euronext Amsterdam: DSM) Performance Materials cluster – offers three highly engineered materials, Akulon®, Arnitel® and Stanyl® that deliver a range of high-performance properties such as processing ease, superior toughness, heat resistance, and continuous use temperature range. Convoluted tubing, whose bellows-like form allows it to bend and flex readily, is increasingly found in automobiles, rail equipment, and robotics and machinery where it is used to organise and protect wiring and control components. Halogen-free and flame-retardant (FR) grades are available in all three product families. Grades are generally available in black and natural, which can be coloured via masterbatch.

Of special interest to fabricators of convoluted tubing may be the new use of Akulon XP modified nylon 6 from DSM for tubing applications that need to exhibit higher performance levels as required in the automotive industry. Recent customer trials indicate that Akulon XP’s superior rheological properties deliver low viscosity for very good flow, as well as a range of shear levels for better processing of all sizes of tubing. The material also processes at lower pressures and helps reduce or eliminate “snaking” in the extruder core. As a result, convoluted tubing made from Akulon XP keeps its shape better, while providing processing cost benefits.

Akulon PA for toughness, processing ease

Akulon grades of polyamide 6 and 6,6 (PA6 and PA66) provide the toughness, resistance to chemicals and ageing, good electrical properties, and abrasion resistance required by many tubing applications. Akulon XP grades can provide both superior flow and a range of shear for faster and easier processing.

Stanyl for heat resistance

In addition to good chemical resistance, Stanyl grades of PA 4,6 (PA46) offer a very high melting point, as well as high heat resistance—to 170 °C continuous use (CUT) and beyond—and extraordinary wear and fatigue resistance, important in rail and robotics applications.

Arnitel TPE for flexibility, temperature range

Most compliant and flexible is convoluted tubing made of Arnitel thermoplastic elastomers (TPE). Arnitel U grades provide high continuous use temperature (CUT)—UL listed CUT is 160 °C—important for electrical and automotive applications. Arnitel E and P grades provide extra fatigue resistance, good chemical and abrasion resistance, which are all important for robotics and machine applications. Finally, there is a flame-retardant grade that is halogen-free, as well as a hydrolysis-stabilising masterbatch for Arnitel U. A particular advantage of Arnitel materials is their broad range of temperature, remaining flexible at -40 °C yet still showing good integrity to 180 °C and beyond.

DSM Engineering Plastics Akulon, Arnitel and Stanyl provide measurable processing advantages compared to conventional materials. Mould-flow behaviours, reduced cycle times and the capability for production in conventional machines and moulds all combine in many cases to lower overall per-part cost compared to less effective conventional materials.

“We can provide solutions suited to almost any need,” said Francis Aussems, Application Development Technical Manager for DSM,“ whether that be for long life, chemical or oil resistance, heat resistance or more.”

Stanyl is DSM’s high performance PA, used in demanding applications in automotive, electrical and other areas that require outstanding mechanical and chemical properties.

Arnitel copolyester TPEs combine the strength and processing advantages of engineering thermoplastics with the performance of thermoset elastomers. As thermoplastics, Arnitel grades do not require vulcanisation.

Reader enquiries

DSM Engineering Plastics
Poststraat 1
6130 AA Sittard
Netherlands
+31 46 477 0496
www.dsmep.com

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Notes for editors

DSM Engineering Plastics

DSM Engineering Plastics is a business group forming part of DSM's Performance Materials cluster. DSM EP is a global supplier of Stanyl® PA46 and Akulon® 6 and 66 polyamides, Arnitel® TPE-E, Arnite® PBT and PET polyesters, Xantar® polycarbonate, Yparex® extrudable adhesive resins, and Stamylan® UH Ultra High Molecular Weight PE. These materials are used in technical components for electrical appliances, electronic equipment and cars, in barrier packaging films as well as in many mechanical and extrusion applications. The business group had annual sales of EUR 566 million in 2003. With Stanyl®, it is the global market leader in high heat polyamides.

Akulon®, Arnite®, Arnitel®, Stanyl®, Stamylan® UH, Xantar® and Yparex® are registered trademarks of DSM Engineering Plastics.