Viton® News 1 - Article 15

Viton® With APA Offers Improved Processing, Ideal for Injection Molding Technology

To purchase Viton® o-rings and seals, call certified dealer Problem Solving Products at (303) 758-2728.

News Release from Dupont Dow Elastomers

4/22/2004

Viton can be used in the F-16 Falcon airplane

Both manufacturers and end users can benefit from DuPont Dow Elastomers' Viton® fluoroelastomer made with Advanced Polymer Architecture (APA), finding improved processing and meeting rigorous new sealing requirements.

Viton® made with APA offers manufacturers of elastomeric parts not only improved processing performance, but also improved flow and mold release. That makes it ideal for injection molding. Molders and parts fabricators benefit from easier molding, higher yields, reduced defects and reduced waste due to flashless and trimless parts.

At the same time, the new generation of Viton® made with APA meets rigorous new sealing requirements in the automotive, chemical processing, aerospace and semiconductor industries, giving end users get more robust and durable sealing performance, improved fluids resistance and functionality to nearly -50°C without compromising heat resistance.

Speaking at a recent conference on overmolding, Ken Macturk of DuPont Dow, told nearly 100 representatives from over 30 companies that Viton® made with APA coupled with the latest molding technology can help them improve elastomeric part performance and lower costs.

The conference and demonstration - entitled "Overmolding Made Easy" -- was hosted by DuPont Dow Elastomers, DuPont, Engel Canada and Hamilton Mold and Machine in Troy, MI. The program focused on remaining competitive with the latest molding technology aimed at improving performance and lowering production costs, and included a demonstration of the latest in valve-gated cold runner injection molding systems using low post-cure Viton® made with APA. Because APA polymers reduce or eliminate the need for post-cure, Viton® can be molded directly onto plastic and metal inserts reducing the potential for damage or warping during post-cure operations.

Speakers said the selection of the right material, injection machine and valve-gated tools can help a manufacturer compete with global firms. New valve-gated cold runner injection molding technology combined with full automation makes injection molding an efficient and affordable alternative to current production methods that require more labor and less-than-optimal material utilization. Tim Crites from Hamilton Mold estimated that a molder using Viton® GBL-S can achieve payback in two months when converting from a four-drop conventional runner to a 16-drop valve-gated cold runner system. A cost analysis by DuPont Dow for a full investment in valve-gated technology showed positive cash flow can be achieved in four months because parts made with APA polymers reduce waste and manpower.

DuPont Dow Elastomers, a global supplier of specialty elastomers with global headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, is a joint venture between the DuPont Company and The Dow Chemical Company, with more than US $1 billion in sales. The company is the industry leader in chloroelastomers, ethylene elastomers and fluorinated elastomers, serving the automotive, chemical, construction, general rubber and wire and cable industries.

To purchase Viton® o-rings and seals, call certified dealer Problem Solving Products at (303) 758-2728.

Next Article: DuPont Dow To Showcase New Technology, Specialty Products At ACS Rubber Division Expo In Cleveland, Oct. 14-16, Booth No. 940

Viton® is a registered trademark of DuPont Dow Elastomers.