Posted to News on 4th Jan 2010, 07:44
Composite plastic compression springs - as strong as steel
Lee Spring is promoting its recently introduced - and highly innovative - range of LeeP plastic composite compression springs, combining the strength of metal with the attributes of high-performance engineered thermoplastics. These patent-pending coil springs are believed to be the world's first mass-produced polymer springs.
[See also this article from January 2011: LeeP plastic springs now 30 per cent stronger - Ed]
Manufactured in Ultem PEI resin, different formulations can be used to meet varying performance criteria, with the standard range being offered in six colour-coded strengths: red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet, with violet being the strongest. PEI (polyetherimide) was chosen following years of engineering design and materials research by the company's technical team. Ultem resin is produced by SABIC Innovative Plastics.
LeeP plastic composite springs are available in a variety of standard sizes. However, LeeP springs can also be customised to meet customers' precise performance requirements.
Advantages of plastic springs
Plastic composite springs offer many advantages, including stability of physical and mechanical properties up to 170degC (340degF), high strength-to-weight ratios and excellent chemical compatibility, including strong acids, weak bases, aromatics and ketones. Additionally they are non-magnetic and offer dielectric insulation and low flammability, plus they are recyclable as well as being RoHS- and REACH-compliant.
Applications are expected to be found in food processing and packaging machinery, medical products and apparatus, imaging and X-ray equipment, and in the aerospace, marine, electronics, electrical, water purification, chemical, automotive, semiconductor, instrumentation and communications sectors.
At the end of their useful lives, the LeeP plastic springs can be returned to Lee Spring for recycling.
Follow the link for more information about LeeP plastic composite compression springs.
