Compounds for Metal Replacement

Compounds for Metal Replacement

Substitution of Metal Alloys with High-Performance Polyamides

With the high-performance compounds SLOVAMID®6 GF 65 and SLOVAMID®66 GF 50 HTS from PLASTCOM, it is possible to replace metals such as aluminum or steel (metal replacement).

Due to the high glass fiber content, these compounds exhibit special properties in terms of strength and temperature resistance. Thus, these specific PA types are also suitable for applications where metal alloys are usually used.

Benefits of SLOVAMID®6 GF 65 and SLOVAMID®66 GF 50 HTS compared to Metal:

  • Weight savings
  • No corrosion
  • Simple mass production
  • Lower costs, e.g., through the elimination of processing steps

Mechanical Properties

With SLOVAMID® compounds for metal replacement, similar strength values to die-cast alloys can be achieved while maintaining lower weight.

Figure 1 shows the tensile strength (ISO 527; v = 5mm/min) of the two polyamide types (conditioned) compared to common metal alloys.

Figure 1: Comparison of the tensile strength of SLOVAMID®6 GF 65 and SLOVAMID®66 GF 50 HTS compared to die-cast alloys

Figure 2 presents the modulus of elasticity (ISO 527; v = 5mm/min) of the glass fiber reinforced PA types (conditioned) compared to commonly used metal alloys.

Figure 2: Comparison of the modulus of elasticity of SLOVAMID®6 GF 65 and SLOVAMID®66 GF 50 HTS compared to die-cast alloys

Considering the strength values and modulus of elasticity relative to the density of the respective materials highlights the advantage of using PA compounds from PLASTCOM. The specific strength (Figure 3), for example, serves as a benchmark for comparing the performance of materials.

A disadvantage of polymers is that, unlike metals, they do not exhibit isotropy. This means they have a directional modulus of elasticity (so-called anisotropy). However, this issue can be specifically addressed through proper component design.

Through structural measures, such as the incorporation of reinforcement ribs or the design of special external contours on the component surface, the moment of resistance of the final product can be increased to such an extent that the achieved strengths are comparable to those of metals.

 

Figure 3: Strength values relative to the density of SLOVAMID®6 GF 65 and SLOVAMID®66 GF 50 HTS compared to metal alloys

Figure 4: Modulus of elasticity values relative to the density of SLOVAMID®6 GF 65 and SLOVAMID®66 GF 50 HTS compared to metal alloys

With PLASTCOM's high-performance polyamides SLOVAMID®, plastic components can be manufactured that withstand high mechanical and thermal loads. Advantages such as lightweight design, complex shapeability, and/or functional integration contribute to making SLOVAMID®6 GF 65 and SLOVAMID®66 GF 50 HTS more than just an alternative when it comes to substituting metal alloys.

Application:

  • Automotive, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and more
  • Housings for electrical devices, electric motors, brake cables, rotor blades in ventilation systems, gears, load-bearing parts, etc.
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