US compounder and distributor A. Schulman (Akron, Ohio; www.aschulman.com) has launched a series of high-modulus, high-strength nylon compounds for metal replacement applications. The “Schulamid” HM compounds contain a reinforcement content of 40-65% using glass fibre, carbon fibre and aramid fibre, while maintaining high flowability and good surface appearance in injection moulding applications, the company says.

Developing metal substitution applications will be a strategic focus for A. Schulman, said Jeff McCoy, senior business manager for the North America engineered plastics business unit. "We anticipate benefits in product performance, lower system costs, increased manufacturing efficiency, durability and aesthetics,” he added.

A 50% glass fibre reinforced nylon Schulamid HM compound has already been selected to replace aluminium for the structural brackets of an overhead panel on mass transit buses, the company noted.