Customised Torlon® (PAI) injection moulded components for "new", challenging applications

GAPI Technische Produkte GmbH, a company of the Gapi Group, has been manufacturing injection moulded parts for extremely stressed applications for decades. The focus is on the use of high-performance thermoplastics such as Torlon® (PAI), PEEK or PPS.

With its outstanding material properties in terms of thermal and mechanical stress, Torlon® (PAI) occupies a special position.

Torlon® (PAI), the exotic among the thermoplastic high-performance materials

Torlon® (PAI) injection moulded components, e.g. seal rings for oil rotary unions, thrust washers and plain bearings can be used over a very wide temperature range. This ranges from the cryogenic range (below -150 °C) to a temperature of over 260 °C. Due to the extremely high glass transition temperature of over 280 °C, the mechanical properties are maintained over the entire temperature range.

Furthermore, Torlon® (PAI) injection moulded components behave like metals under extreme conditions. For example, thermal expansion in the order of magnitude of steel can be achieved by modification with carbon fibers. Modifications with slip-optimizing additives further increase the already high wear resistance.

In addition, Torlon® (PAI) components can also be used as electrical insulators. Due to their high temperature resistance - even over the long term - they are ideal for use in electrical or electronic components. Furthermore, Torlon® (PAI) is characterized by intrinsic flame retardancy and by superior fatigue resistance.

New challenging applications

In the field of passenger car and commercial vehicle production, Torlon® (PAI) injection moulded components are used as highly stressed components for the drive train (gearboxes, clutches, turbochargers, vibration dampers, retarders).