On any given day, our military faces a variety of harsh environments, from marine to tropical to desert to tundra. They also encounter situations that put their equipment through the wringer, exposing it to moisture, dirt, impact, pressure changes, chemicals, and more. The equipment and gear they rely on has to be able to perform […]
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When it comes to high-performance plastics, PEEK and Vespel® are at the top of the list. Both offer an impressive combination of mechanical properties that make them go-to materials for high-heat and high-stress environments. So which polymer is right for your project? In this blog we’ll examine the benefits and differences of Vespel® vs. PEEK […]
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Knowing how to read tolerances can help you understand the intricacies of a part and the manufacturing methods it will require. Put simply, tolerance is a measurement (generally calculated in fractions of an inch) that specifies how much a given feature of a part may deviate from its specified measurement, and is the difference between […]
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The demand for acid-resistant materials is on the rise as their unique properties make them well-suited for use in a number of industries. Acid-resistant materials offer chemical and corrosion resistance over wide temperature ranges and other extreme environmental conditions, include high-wear and high-load applications. Here are some of the best acid-resistant materials on the market. […]
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As high-performance plastics become more advanced, aerospace engineers are increasingly turning to plastics for critical aircraft parts. Here are some of the top materials for aerospace applications and their qualities: UHMW – Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMW) is a high-strength, low-cost plastic that is resistant to impact, abrasion, solvents and fuel and offers excellent performance across a […]
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Military and defense components need to withstand an array of harsh environments, including heat, friction, saltwater, and grit. At Reading Plastic, we have made precision-machined components for every branch of the armed forces and we are well acquainted with all military specifications and requirements. We can provide you with the strong, durable military-grade plastic parts […]
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For high-temperature applications, you need plastic materials that can resist thermal degradation while maintaining sufficient strength and stiffness at operating temperature. Enter heat-resistant plastics, materials that can exceed 300ºF in continuous operating temperature without compromising their mechanical properties. Choosing the right heat-resistant plastic for the job often involves more considerations than just the operating temperature, […]
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When selecting a material for high-performance bearings, Vespel® is often the top choice. That is because Vespel® bearings offer unique capabilities in high-friction applications that most high-end materials can’t surpass. Combining the best properties of ceramics, metals and plastics into one, Vespel® bearings offer unique strengths for superb performance and proven reliability. What Makes Vespel® […]
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The use of plastics in aerospace components has quadrupled in the last 45 years, thanks to the unique properties of plastics that make them perfectly suited to aerospace applications. From reducing weight to increasing safety, advanced engineering plastics offer a host of benefits and create new possibilities for aerospace design. The Benefits of Using Advanced […]
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When choosing the right high-performance plastic for an application, understanding the differences between similar polymers can help you make a decision based on which properties are most crucial to your part’s performance. For parts that require superior strength and durability, Ultem and PEEK are at the head of the class. Deciding on Ultem vs. PEEK […]
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To understand high tensile strength plastics, we must first discuss tensile strength. Tensile strength is the maximum stress a material can withstand without breaking while being pulled or stretched. Some materials will break sharply – called a “brittle failure” – while others experience some deformation before fracture. Tensile strength is one of the most important […]
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Celazole PBI’s price makes it one of the most expensive plastic polymers on the market – with good reason. Its outstanding heat resistance and mechanical capabilities make it difficult to manufacture, but these same capabilities make it well worth the cost for precision applications. In temperatures exceeding 400ºF, Celazole® PBI has the highest heat and […]
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