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Metal Replacement With PA6

From Automotive to Home Appliances including Medical Devices, any new solution is discussed by taking into consideration lightweight technopolymers and high performance compounds as a first choice at the early stage of the project.

To provide a reliable answer to these requirements, LATI has developed a brand new compound dedicated to no-compromise structural applications also featuring an outstanding price vs. performance ratio.

Engineered on PA6, LATAMID 6 H2 G/65 provides excellent mechanical properties thanks to its 65% glass fibre content bonded to the thermoplastic matrix.

The most peculiar aspect of this new compound, allowing substitution of zamak (an alloy of Zinc, Aluminium and Magnesium) and aluminium die-cast, is to be found in the interaction between the polymer and the glass fibre, accurately selected even on the basis of its geometric shape and aspect ratio. This compound has been successfully engineered to produce new plastic based pulleys for washing machines and dishwashers, as well as other mechanical devices demanded to transmit forces and torques in the medical sector such as wheelchairs.

For the original case study, the project requirements were extreme:

• High mechanical performances concerning load at break and stiffness, as the belt tension must not generate bending of the pulley and consequent malfunctioning and noise
• Excellent creep and fatigue performance, since belt tension is constantly applied, even during non-operating time, and many washing cycles must be successfully withstood during the working life of the machine, with no issues of any kind
• Resistance to temperature, detergents and low moisture absorption, factors vastly reducing compound performances and leading to failure even after years
• High fluidity of the compound during injection moulding, as accurate filling of the cavity is mandatory and high quantity of glass fibres can compromise the flowability of the melt

LATAMID 6 H2 G/65 turned out to be a new winning grade among LATI structural material, suitable to join LATAMID 66 and LATIGLOSS in the metal replacement process.

New successful case studies have already been marketed thanks to LATAMID 6 H2 G/65 outstanding features.

For more information, including technical data and support, please do not hesitate to contact Lati S.p.A. technical service at techserv@it.lati.com.