
17 Nov 2003
Improved flow and cycle time reduction:
Introducing Akulon® Ultraflow™ from DSM Engineering Plastics
DSM Engineering Plastics extends its Akulon® polyamide 6 (PA6) offerings with Akulon® Ultraflow™. Akulon® Ultraflow™ PA6 provides up to 80% greater flow and up to 25%-40% cycle time reduction in injection moulding when compared to standard PA6 grades, with no significant loss of mechanical properties. Thin-wall items with long flow paths and high-appearance benefit especially from Akulon® Ultraflow™, owing to better surface quality and lower moulded-in warpage and other internal stresses.
“We’re convinced that Akulon® Ultraflow™ provides a solution for many of our customers,” said Bert Havenith, Product Manager, Akulon®. “Housings and enclosures look better in Akulon® Ultraflow™ - and looks are more and more important to consumers - as automotive components have better surface appearance and, in addition, can be produced faster.”
Reduction in cycle time is the result of a combination of shorter injection and hold times, faster crystallization speed, and the option to use lower processing temperatures, all the result of improved flow length, thus delivering lower system costs and productivity gain.
The excellent flow characteristics of Akulon® Ultraflow™ offer potential reduction in clamping force, use of more cavities per mould, reduction in injection ports, and even smaller tools and smaller injection machines – a further contribution towards system cost reductions.
The surface finish (especially for highly reinforced formulations) of parts moulded in Akulon® Ultraflow™ is better, due to better wetting-out of the glass fibres. Finally, weldability is better with Akulon® Ultraflow™ than with PA6s which show higher viscosity at moulding temperature.
DSM Akulon® Ultraflow™ PA6 formulations include neat; high stiffness (30-40% glass reinforcement); and higher stiffness (>50% glass, as well as glass/mineral formulations).
Typical applications include under-bonnet automotive components and assemblies including air cleaners, intake manifolds and engine covers; automotive appearance items such as door handles and mirror brackets; electrical components such as connectors, junction boxes, and terminal blocks; power tool and lawn and garden enclosures and housings; a wide variety of sports equipment, including ski bindings, and inline skates; and a broad range of appliance and building and construction applications.
Reader enquiries
DSM Engineering Materials
30 Pasir Panjang Road #13-31
Mapletree Business City
Singapore 117440
Singapore
Notes for editors
DSM Engineering Plastics
DSM Engineering Plastics is a business group forming part of DSM’s Performance Materials cluster. DSM EP is a global supplier of Stanyl® PA46 and Akulon® 6 and 66 polyamides, Arnitel® TPE-E, Arnite® PBT and PET polyesters, Xantar® Polycarbonate and PC-blends, Yparex® extrudable adhesive resins, and Stamylan® UH Ultra High Molecular Weight PE. These materials are used in technical components for electrical appliances, electronic equipment and cars, in barrier packaging films as well as in many mechanical and extrusion applications.
The business group had annual sales of EUR 579 million in 2002. DSM Engineering Plastics has a market share of about 5% in the world market. With Stanyl®, it is the global market leader in high heat polyamides.
Related images

Thin-wall items with long flow paths and high-appearance benefit especially from Akulon® Ultraflow™.
Editorial enquiries
Thea Trilsbeek
DSM Engineering Materials
Willem van de Velde
EMG