When it comes to thermoplastics, outsiders may find it difficult to understand. However, plastics such as polyethylene, polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are well known in the thermoplastics category. In China, we use thermoplastic products, such as scissors, toothbrushes, headphone cord connectors, power outlets, suction tubes, etc., all the time.
It is understood that thermoplastics are plastics based on thermoplastic resins and added with various additives. Under certain temperature conditions, the plastic can be softened into any shape, but when it cools, it can maintain its shape. change.
As a widely used plastic variety, thermoplastics have made new breakthroughs in production technology. Recently, at the just-concluded 2018 MACH conference, Stratasys launched a polyether ketone ketone based product. A new high-performance thermoplastic - Antero800NA. Compared with common thermoplastics, Antero800NA has a wider range of applications and is mainly used in aerospace, automotive, oil and gas and other high-end industries. In addition, this High-performance thermoplastics are more resistant to corrosion, have less gas emissions during molding, and are no longer affected by acid or organic compound functional groups and can therefore be used as fuels and lubricants.
As far as the processing technology of Antero800NA is concerned, it is far more efficient and convenient than ordinary thermoplastics. Unlike traditional mesh processing, Antero800NA uses 3D printing technology, which not only speeds up the processing preparation process, optimizes the internal structure of the product, but also makes plastics. Raw materials are no longer limited to a fixed shape and size, thus saving on production costs.
With the technological innovation of thermoplastics, its application results have also ushered in a multi-field development.
In the field of medical devices, from the packaging of pharmaceuticals, pharmaceuticals, to disposable medical devices (such as drip bottles, syringes, etc.), non-disposable medical equipment (such as measuring instruments, surgical instruments, etc.) are used in thermoplastic applications. PEEK is used as an example. PEEK can be used in implantable medical devices that alleviate patient's pain, such as gastrointestinal stents and implantable body fluid pumps, to eliminate the pain caused to patients by traditional puncture procedures. .
In the field of electric mobility, the emergence of future concepts such as autopilot, automotive powertrain electrification, etc., to a certain extent promoted the development of thermal plastics. LANXESS Group Tepex brand series of continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites, in the design of light vehicles The process has a very important role. Henrik, executive director of application technology marketing and commercial development at Tepex Automotive Group, explained: 'This material provides excellent performance for the production of connectors and components for self-driving vehicle displays and control units. The production of battery-protected vehicle chassis and self-driving cars is highly integrated, and there is a huge potential for applications in multi-position seats.
In the building and building materials sector, thermoplastics - TPV, can be widely used in power components sealing strips, construction expansion joints, water supply and drainage pipe seals and other industrial components. Before these industrial parts are injection molded, extruded, blow molded The TPV needs to be fully and thoroughly dried. In addition, the TPV mechanical operating conditions are consistent with the standards specified for injection molding, extrusion and blow molding to avoid the drop in the draw ratio due to overheating of the melt.
In fact, thermoplastics are not only 'emphasized' in the above three areas, but also play a role in daily consumer products, transportation equipment, aerospace, and petrochemical industries. Thermoplastics improve product performance and simplify processing. , Increase labor productivity and reduce costs and other advantages, therefore, its market influence is gradually expanding. In the future, with the deeper understanding and understanding of thermoplastics, this type of plastic will have more new applications. The field is used by people.