Posted to News on 26th Jul 2018, 14:05
Plastic composite springs are as strong as steel
Lee Spring is promoting its range of plastic composite springs. Increasingly, engineers are seeing the benefits of plastic spring technology as exemplified by Lee Spring in their LeeP range. By offering non-magnetic, non-corrosive and chemically inert properties in a lightweight package, LeeP springs are often a complete option for applications in areas of medical device manufacturing, pharmaceutical equipment, aerospace and lightweight, e.g. portable instrumentation.
The LeeP range combines the strength of metal springs with the attributes of high-performing engineered thermoplastics - in this case Ultem PEI (polyetherimide) resin which has excellent thermal stability and electrical insulation properties, while being non-contaminating. They have low flammability and are recyclable in compliance with global regulations including RoHS and REACH.
LeeP Plastic Composite Springs are stocked in a variety of standard sizes, each available in a "rainbow" of strengths formulated from different Ultem resins. The five increasing strengths are easily identifiable by distinct colours: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green and Violet. Lee Spring has the advanced technology to provide Custom LeeP Compression Springs to meet the most exacting specifications.
These plastic compression springs offer high strength to weight ratios that optimise performance while reducing mass; they have excellent stability of physical and mechanical properties at elevated temperatures up to 170degC; high corrosion resistance and are generally compatible with many chemicals including strong acids, weak bases, aromatics, and ketones. Their non-magnetic material does not interfere with imaging and other Ferro-sensitive technologies and being of a dielectric insulating material they are suitable for non-conductive applications, while being inert and non-contaminating this plastic composite protects purity of the products they come in contact with.
Other applications include: medical products and processing equipment, pharmaceutical delivery devices, imaging and X-ray equipment, food processing and packaging equipment, aerospace products, marine products, electronics and electrical equipment, water purification systems, chemical environments, automotive interiors, pollution control systems, semi-conductors, instrumentation, communication devices, and cosmetics packaging equipment.
Further information on Lee Spring products, including the LeeP range, can be found on their website at www.leespring.co.uk.
