When it comes to extreme high temperature applications, advanced engineering plastics are the go-to choice for reliability and performance. While there are several high temperature plastics, for the most demanding and challenging applications it is typically a question of Vespel® vs. Torlon®. Understanding the differences between these two plastics will help you determine which one is right for your project.
Vespel® is a polyimide plastic that is often used in high heat environments that cause thermoplastic materials to lose their mechanical properties. It is one of the most dynamic engineering plastics on the market and can often be found in hostile and extreme environments, such as NASA shuttles, semiconductors, and virtually every jet engine.
With the ability to serve continuously at temperatures of 500ºF and to endure temperatures up to 900ºF for limited periods, Vespel® has superior thermal stability. This material is also known for excellent friction and wear characteristics, being extremely creep resistant, and having a high resistance to chemicals. Vespel® is a lightweight alternative to metal, offering high tensile (8,750 psi) and flexural (16,000 psi) strength at one half the weight of metal.
Other characteristics of Vespel® include:
Torlon® is a high performance engineered thermoplastic that is easy to machine and can easily hold tight tolerances. This polyamide-imide plastic offers exceptional toughness, even when operating in continuous temperatures of 500ºF. Torlon® outperforms similar materials in a broad range of applications and has a lower cost than many advanced engineering plastics. It excels in chemically harsh environments, with resistance to nearly all harsh chemicals aside from some high-temperature acids and strong bases. And when it comes to strength, Torlon® is stronger at 400°F than other engineering resins at room temperature. Torlon® parts are commonly used in aerospace, chemical processing, electronics manufacturing, automotive transmissions, and bearings.
Torlon® also features:
Whether your application needs the extreme thermal resistance of Vespel® or remarkable toughness of Torlon®, our expert staff can machine your parts to hold tight tolerances and meet all your specifications. To get started on a project or to request a quote, call us today at 610-926-3245.
