27 May 2003
LNP Introduces Verton® AF Composites based on GE Plastics’ Cycolac® Technology
Verton® AF composites, a new series of long glass fiber reinforced ABS composites, made using GE Plastics Cycolac® resin technology and LNP’s patented Verton® pultrusion process, provide high impact performance with exceptional stiffness, high-quality surface finish and paintability, and are targeted toward applications in heavy truck and off-road equipment, automotive interiors, furniture and sporting equipment.
Manfred Bär, European Business Leader Verton, explains the benefits of the new long glass reinforced Verton AF series composites, “The combination of high impact performance and exceptional stiffness allows the design engineer to develop thinner wall components. This reduces part mass without sacrificing modulus or impact performance.”
According to Bär, a 30% long glass reinforced Verton AF composite provides 48% higher stiffness than a 30% long glass reinforced polypropylene, and 14% higher stiffness than 40% long glass reinforced polypropylene. He added, “Impact performance is equivalent to 30% long glass reinforced polypropylene.”
Verton AF series composites also provide exceptional dimensional stability. While most LFRT composites inherently provide good dimensional control due to the random fiber orientation, Verton AF series composites exhibit very low shrinkage in both the flow and transverse directions. The material exhibits about ½ the shrinkage of LGF PP, which in the end will result in tight tolerance and very flat parts.
Additional benefits of the new long glass reinforced composites based on Cycolac technology include excellent transverse mechanical properties, low coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) and paintability. In addition, a resin-rich surface is obtained due to exceptional fiber wet out - a benefit of LNP’s Verton pultrusion process.
A unique portfolio of benefits make Verton AF composites strong candidates for structural body panels and housings requiring good dimensional control, high impact performance and good aesthetics. Potential applications include instrument panel substrates, structural support frames for furniture, and structural body panels and housings.
Reader enquiries
LNP Engineering PlasticsPlasticslaan 1
4600 AC Bergen op Zoom
Netherlands
Banu Kukner
banu.kukner@gepex.ge.com
Tel: +31 164 29 16 05
Fax: +31 164 29 10 66
Netherlands
Notes for editors
LNP is a world leader in the development and manufacture of long glass fiber reinforced thermoplastics. Verton composites find use in structural automotive applications such as modules, sunroof beams and shifter bases; and in industrial applications, such as pump and compressor housings, among others.
Headquartered in Exton, Pennsylvania, U.S.A., LNP Engineering Plastics, a GE Plastics company, is a global leader in the custom compounding of engineering thermoplastics. The company operates eleven manufacturing plants throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Europe, Asia Pacific and South America.
LNP is known for innovative, value-added products and ultra-fast development of viable solutions for its customers. The LNP product line includes a wide range of specialty compounds for information technology, automotive, health care, industrial and consumer applications. The company’s Web site is located at www.LNP.com.
GE Plastics is a leading producer of engineering thermoplastics with major production facilities worldwide. GE Plastics materials, including LEXAN® polycarbonate, are used in a wide variety of applications such as CDs and DVDs, automobile parts, computer housings, cookware, outdoor signage, cell phones, bullet- resistant shielding and building materials. Through its LNP Engineering Plastics business, the company is a worldwide leader in the custom compounding of engineering thermoplastics. GE Plastics is also a global distributor of sheet, film, rod and tube products through GE Polymershapes and GE Structured Products. In 2003 GE Plastics is celebrating 50 years of innovation and the 50th Anniversary of LEXAN polycarbonate, discovered in 1953 by GE chemist Dr. Daniel W. Fox. The company's website is located at www.geplastics.com, and to learn more about LEXAN visit www.gelexan.com.
Verton® is a registered trademark of LNP Engineering Plastics Europe BV
Lexan® is a registered trademark of GE Plastics
