Materials reach the speed of light

TG 54 Series interface and encapsulate materials are applied with standard screen printing technology. The materials cure with ultraviolet light in less than 4 sec. Engineers apply the materials in wet form, which eliminates troublesome interstitial gaps between the microprocessors rough surface and the heat sink. The curing process prevents interface material migration to provide durability over an extended period of thermal cycles, the company says. Ferro Corp: Product Code 4680

System puts the mark on plastics

Marking plastic shouldn't weaken it. That's why the PRO-PEN P3000 dot peen stylus marking system makes indents with a vibrating stylus that creates permanent marks such as characters, digits, bar codes, and logos on rigid materials such as plastics, metals, glass, and wood. The system can accommodate special markings such as reversed, mirrored, and reflected, as well as dates, time, and consecutive serial or batch numbering. The P3000 measures 17 x 11 x 30 inches and is completely independent, comprised of a keyboard, integrated screen, and software application. The system operates either electrically at 120/240V ac, 50/60 Hz, or electropneumatically at 87 psi.
Marking Methods Inc.: Product Code 4682

Composite helps sew up EMI shielding

EMI-X(R) PDX nickel-coated carbon fiber-reinforced ABS/polycarbonate blend EMI/RFI attenuating composite is for EMI shielding. The composite is the material of choice for the outer shell of memory cards used to change sewing machine embroidery patterns. Design engineer Phil Eaton of Precise Connections (Duncanville, TX), the company that manufactures the cards, says Precise chose the material because of its high EMI/RFI shielding levels. These levels solve the problem of sewing machine electromagnetic interference, which can interfere with data transfer. Eaton adds that Precise Connections maintained tight tolerances with the material. Says Mark Kaptur, product manager for LNP, "The nickel-coated carbon adds dramatically to the strength and stiffness of the base material, while providing the reinforcing benefit of the nickel coating." Other applications include those ICs with the potential of giving off EMI, such as in cellular phones and computers, Kaptur adds.
LNP Engineering Plastics: Product Code 4678

Handcasting system controls urethanes

Using an automatic meter-mix machine doesn't mean you have to give up the handcasting capability to evaluate new materials and produce new prototype parts. A new handcasting system can cast many types of molded parts using a variety of urethane prepolymers. A special feature of this system is complete material degassing by using specially designed lines, valves, and a pump, says Roger Goossens, president of R&M Mfg. He adds that effective material temperature control also helps prevent prepolymer degradation.
R&M Mfg. Inc.: Product Code 4681

Polycarbonate is for circuit boards

RTP 300 Series polycarbonate specialty compound provides electrostatic dissipation protection to module racks that hold and transport electronic circuit boards. The compounds are UL 94 V-O flame-retardant, and impart conductivity to the rails, which helps manufacturers avoid assembly time associated with installing copper or iron contacts on non-conductive, flame-retardant polycarbonate rails.
RTP Co.: Product Code 4683

Co-polyester line adds new member

When similar products are for use in similar applications, but are made by different companies, they should work together. That's why DSM Engineering Plastics acquired General Electric Plastics' Lomod(R) co-polyester line. DSM will transition the Lomod plastics to DSM's Arnitel(R) line. Lomod, widely used in automotive airbag covers, finds synergies with many of Arnitel's co-polyester applications, says Roeland Polet, Arnitel global business manager. Arnitel co-polyesters are available as block polyether-esters and as block polyester-esters, and feature flexural fatigue endurance and high peak temperature resistance. The co-polyesters also feature resistance to chemicals and weathering and adhesion to ABS, PBT, PC, paint, glues, and metals. Arnitel is used in injection and blow molding and extrusion applications. Examples include use in the automotive, electrical and electronics, construction, industrial, medical, and personal care industries.
DSM Engineering Plastics: Product Code 4703

Compounds see the light

Some applications, such as lighting diffuser and optoelectronics, require a material with light transmittance and diffusion. ACRYLITE(R) df light-diffusing molding and extrusion compounds are available in four concentration levels, df 20, df 21, df 22, and df 23, and provide light stability and diffusion and optical efficiency. "These compounds maintain the same light transmission as clear acrylics," notes Stephen Seifert, product manager for CYRO. Commercial requirements for diffusion products include a high transmittance-lighting output ratio. Because ACRYLITE acrylic polymers transmit light while scattering it, the result is high intensity and output ratio or reduced energy consumption at the same light intensity. The compounds can be injection-molded or extruded into sheet and thermoformed using conventional plastic processing equipment, and transparent colors are available on request. Applications the compounds are targeted for include those in the commercial and residential lighting industries, Seifert adds. CYRO Industries: Product Code 4679