Improved metallic colour batches from Resinex
Resinex Deutschland (D-64665 Alsbach-Hähnlein; www.resinex.net) has developed a new generation of metallic-effect colour batches. According to the company, its “Metallic Line” minimises the formation of unsightly streaks along weld lines or in the vicinity of injection points during injection moulding. Resinex claims that the new batches can be straightforwardly processed using existing moulds. They are suitable for colouring by the processor and for processing in hot-runner moulds. Originally developed for PS, the Metallic Line has also been adapted for both polyolefins and engineering plastics.

LCP and PE-UHMW innovations at Ticona
Ticona GmbH (D-60528 Frankfurt; www.ticona.de) is a hive of activity at present, with the market introduction of its heat-resistant “Vectra T” LCP series, developed jointly with Polyplastics Co Ltd., Tokyo. According to a company announcement, this liquid crystalline polymer, which has a melting point of 370 °C, offers improved dimensional stability in heat and also good melt stability, despite its higher heat resistance. Productivity increases will be possible in injection moulding, in particular. Ticona has also presented a new “micro-powder” in its “GUR” PE-UHMW series. This is a functional additive for coatings, plastics, rubber and seals. It is claimed to considerably improve on the wear resistance and impact strength of materials, as well as on their frictional properties.

Special heat stabilisers for plasticised PVC
A series of new “Interstab” heat stabilisers for highly specific plasticised-PVC applications, which were originally developed for North America, have now been made generally available by Akcros Chemicals (GB-Manchester M30 0; www.akcros.com). Grade 5203 is used in thin-walled calendered film to ensure colour retention and bonding strength in printing inks. For calendered or extruded films where odour is a critical factor, grade 5216 provides the answer. Finally, “Interstab 5206” is intended for extruded and blown film processing, where the requirements are for clarity, thermal stability and good processing properties.

New grades for stereolithography from DSM Somos
DSM Somos (Europe: Via della Stazione 7F, I-0042 Anzio; www.dsmsomos.com), the American subsidiary of Dutch chemicals multinational DSM and specialised in feed materials for rapid prototyping, has announced two new resin grades for stereolithography. “Somos 9110” is claimed to have many of the mechanical properties of polypropylene, including tensile strength, modularisation capacity and optics. Grade “10120 WaterClear”, by contrast, is similar to polycarbonate in many of its properties, especially in respect of clarity. According to DSM Somos, the individual product families of photopolymer epoxy resins are made up of materials specifically tailored to the different commercial stereolithography platforms.

Fibre-reinforced POM from DuPont
“Delrin 100 KM” is a particularly low-friction and low-wear grade of POM, reports DuPont. Modification with “Kevlar” aramid fibres makes this polymer a virtually ideal structural material for dry-running or low-lubrication conveyor systems, bringing cost and environmental benefits alike. Systems of this type are in use in both bottle production and filling plants for glass, sheet metal or PET containers, for example.

New polyamide grades from DSM
DSM Engineering Plastics (NL-6130 AA Sittard; www.dsmep.com) has presented a new grade of PA 6 from its “Akulon” series. The flow properties of “Akulon Ultraflow” are up to 80% better than those of standard-grade PA 6, and cycle times in injection moulding can be reduced by up to 25%. Applications for the material are virtually unlimited, says DSM, although it is especially suitable for thin-walled parts. DMS has introduced a flame-retardant, reinforced grade of PA 46 with its “Stanyl High Flow”. This has the same flow characteristics as LCP and is also 40% cheaper. As a rival to LCP, applications in the electronics industry would be the logical target.