LP for Large Plug Applications
In the past, heavy gauge thermoformers were not able to obtain the benefits achieved when using syntactic thermoset plastics as plug assists. High syntactic plug costs and design challenges required formers to live with the webbing, inconsistent sheet distribution and chill marks that result from wood, felt or wood/felt combination used as plugs/pushers.
LP is a new epoxy syntactic plug assist system specifically designed to provide a light weight and low thermal conductivity system that reduces plug costs while dramatically increasing performance. LP as a plug assist material results in improved thickness control and more consistent quality of the final part. Proper design of the plug and surface finish eliminates webbing and reduces sticking of difficult to process polymers.
LP is a two-part system consisting of a core of large, hollow composite spheres and a skin of thick, non-sloughing syntactic foam. This design allows for the creation of plugs that may be machined to final shape at a customer site or provided to shape directly from CGP.
Key benefits in use include:
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Low thermal conductivity and specific heat – the syntactic foam structure of LP maintains the low thermal conductivity desired in a plug assist material.
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Dimensional stability and a service temperature up to 350°F (176°C).
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Lightweight – increases the life of capital equipment due to reduced wear and tear on moving parts.
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Low cost – the system is about half the cost of a similar solid syntactic foam plug.
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Easily formed or machined – LP can be easily shaped or cast to any size or shape, and machined using conventional equipment.
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LP may be used in a wide variety of applications on sheet-fed, rotary or in-line machines. It may also be used with most commonly thermoformed materials and many of the more exotic materials available today. Contact Us Specialist to discuss your requirements.
Example of a HYTAC-LP plug in the finished shape for use in thermoforming a full size freezer liner.
For a downloadable PDF Data Sheet, click here: LP