The TF-3B MicroPower Omnibus II Flasher/Lampchanger from Tideland Signal Corp, Houston, features a turret made of 30 per cent glass-filled KetaSpire KT-880 polyetheretherketone (Peek) resin from Solvay Advanced Polymers, LLC for high-heat resistance and exceptional dimensional stability.
The solid-state flasher and six-place lampchanger is an integral component in Tideland Signal’s marine signal lanterns which are used for navigational purposes at ports and harbours throughout the world.
KetaSpire Peek resin replaces competing thermoplastics in the six-sided injection moulded structure which also features gold-plated contacts. The 65-mm diameter Peek turret accepts 100-watt halogen lamps and must withstand temperatures up to 600°F (316°C), according to PC To, Tideland Signal’s vice-president of manufacturing. KetaSpire Peek’s low coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) helps to ensure dimensional stability and filling of complex thin-wall structures.
“There are other high-heat materials on the market but very few also provide the flexible processing needed for moulding of highly-detailed structures,” said To. “KetaSpire Peek delivered the unique combination that we required.”
High-performance properties
KetaSpire Peek provides a range of high-performance properties including high-heat resistance, broad chemical resistance, ease of processing, and excellent ductility.
Specifically, the material boasts a heat deflection temperature (HDT) of 315°C (599°F), continuous-use temperature up to 240°C (464°F), high impact strength, excellent fatigue resistance, and outstanding chemical resistance to organics (particularly solvents), acids, and bases. It also has excellent mechanical properties, particularly in high-pressure environments.
Solvay Advanced Polymers boasts it produces more plastics with more performance than any other company in the world. This, it says, gives design engineers worldwide more ways to solve top design challenges in automotive, medical, electronics, aerospace and other demanding industries.
Solvay is an international industrial group active in chemistry. It offers a broad range of products and solutions that contribute to improving quality of life. The Group is headquartered in Brussels and its companies employ about 19,000 people in 50 countries. In 2009, its consolidated sales amounted to 8.45 billion euros.
