7 May 2003
Breakthrough Verton® ”Structural Aesthetic“ Composites Introduced by LNP
Long glass fiber reinforced composites are renowned for their strength, stiffness and light weight — not their appearance. That perception is now changing. LNP Engineering Plastics, a GE Plastics Company (NYSE:GE), has introduced a new series of long glass fiber reinforced Verton® nylon 6 composites offering a unique combination of strength, stiffness, colorability and a high-quality surface finish. To date, LNP is the only manufacturer offering ”structural aesthetic“ long glass fiber reinforced composites.
The composites are targeted for applications requiring both high performance and good aesthetics. ”These Verton structural aesthetic composites provide high tensile strength and flexural modulus, good impact, are colorable in light and dark hues, and can provide a Class B1 matte surface finish,“ says Manfred Bär, European Business Leader Verton.
“They provide mechanical properties similar to aluminum and steel, but are injection moldable for part consolidation and improved production economy.“ Furniture, off-road equipment, heavy equipment, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), motor scooters and recreational equipment are all possible target markets for the new composites.
Long glass fiber content of the new structural aesthetic Verton composites ranges from 30% to 50%. The composites use LNP’s own proprietary color technology designed to maintain mechanical properties. The use of conventional color concentrates can reduce mechanical properties such as tensile strength up to 30% . More dramatically, impact performance can drop by as much as 70%, depending on the type and amount of concentrate. In addition, the Verton structural aesthetic composites can be formulated to critical color accuracy, a key benefit when dealing with closely mated parts of the same color. The ability to custom color the composites can eliminate secondary painting operations and reduce production costs.
Verton structural aesthetic composites are well suited for standard injection molding and gas-assisted molding. The gas-assist process, which produces tubular parts, allows further weight reduction, but more importantly, maintains a web of glass at the core enabling higher bending strength.
Steelcase’s chairs, which won the Structural Plastics Division of the Society of the Plastics Industry’s Conference Award for top new product, feature a 35% long glass reinforced Verton structural aesthetic nylon 6 composite in the chair’s gas-assist molded, tubular frame. The chairs’ legs use a 50% long glass reinforced Verton structural aesthetic nylon 6 composite for extra support. The chairs boast a Class B1 matte finish and its resin-rich surface is available in five custom colors. The tubular frame has 3 to 6 mm walls and a center channel filled with a network of glass fibers, air and a small amount of nylon, providing greater strength than either a solid or hollow part.
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. Now part of GE Plastics, LNP is developing Verton composites based on novel GE resin and resin blend technologies. 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, PA, LNP Engineering Plastics, a GE Plastics Company, is a global leader in the custom compounding of engineering thermoplastics. The company operates nine manufacturing plants throughout the U.S., 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 the world's leading producer of engineering thermoplastics, with major production facilities worldwide. GE Plastics materials, including LEXAN® polycarbonate resin, are used in a wide variety of applications such as CDs, automobile parts, computer housings, cookware, outdoor signage, cell phones, bullet resistant shielding and building materials. The company is also a global distributor of resins through GE Polymerland, and of sheet, film, rod and tube products through GE Polymershapes and GE Structured Products. The company's Web site is located at www.geplastics.com
Related images
A Verton® nylon 6 “structural aesthetic “ composite is used in the frame and legs of the Steelcase chair. The chair boasts a Class B1 matte finish and its resin-rich surface is available in five custom colors.
(Photo LNP, LNPPR005)
Editorial enquiries
Lia Tabbers
LNP Engineering Plastics Europe BV
Brigitta de Vries
EMG