7 May 2003

Staramide® composite delivers 90% parts reduction and new performance benefits for ventilation fan

Fewer parts and energy saving performance led Italian manufacturer Medys to select Staramide® PA6 compound, from LNP Engineering Plastics, for the fan wheel and housing of its latest TG 60 & TG 45 series cross flow blowers.

The TG 60 & TG 45 represents a significant innovation in the extensive Medys’ product line up of motor-ventilators. Replacing the aluminium traditionally used, its design features a fan wheel and fan housing moulded in a newly developed Staramide® PA6,

with specialty glass reinforcement

“There were many important factors that led us to adopt this solution,” says Medys Technical Director, Raffaele Fujani: “Key was the integration possibilities offered by plastics. In redesigning the blower we were able to reduce it to three components where previously it had comprised 30 parts. This has a positive impact on a number of production steps, not the least of which is on final assembly.”

Following the consideration of a number of materials, Staramide® EXCP 0194 was selected because it offered the optimum combination of properties to meet part specifications. It delivered important weight savings without any compromise of mechanical performance, it gave high flow and fill in long, thin geometries and provided a straight-from-the-mould, quality surface finish. These were complemented by good dimensional stability and low warpage, high strength, heat resistance to 190° C and low thermal expansion.

The patented tangential plastic moulded fan wheel gives improved aeraulic performance, enabling the blower to handle the same air capacity and pressure at lower speed, or increased capacity and pressure at the same speed as a standard aluminium construction. Thereby giving energy and cost savings. Also, improved aerodynamic performance results in less vibration and lower noise level.

“Moreover, in comparison with aluminium, the moulding process provides for working with lower tolerances, performance repeatability in mass production and elimination of the need for part balancing,” says Fujani.

The low weight and tolerances achievable with the Staramide® PA 6 compound also benefited production of the TG 60 fan housing, as well as aiding the design of an improved and simplified fixing system and delivering an aesthetic, corrosion-free component. Additionally, the housing’s burr-free finish allows safer handling during assembly and installation.

Reader enquiries

LNP Engineering Plastics
Plasticslaan 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

+31 164 29 16 05

banu.kukner@gepex.ge.com

www.LNP.com

Notes for editors

Medys SpA, headquartered in Monza, Italy, is a leading developer and producer of medical radiological equipment and motor blowers. Established more than 80 years ago, Medys is part of the BVM Group together with IMPER SpA and BVM Components srl and employs 130 people in a vertically organised production process that enables it to undertake the design and construction of virtually all product components on-site.

Imper SpA, European leader for moulds engineering design and thermoplastic moulding process with 210 injection presses, working in synergy with Medys, have developed and manufactured for Medys the moulds and the patented technology for plastic impellers.

The company's Web sites are located at www.medys.it and www.imperspa.it

LNP Engineering Plastics Europe, a GE Plastics company, is headquartered in Raamsdonksveer, The Netherlands, from where, supported by manufacturing plants at Fosses, France, Thornaby-on-Tees, UK and Pontirolo, Italy, it serves the European market with custom compounded engineering thermoplastics.

Parent company LNP Engineering Plastics, which was acquired by GE Plastics in 2002, has its world headquarters at Exton, Pennsylvania, USA, and is a global leader in the custom compounding of engineering thermoplastics. The company operates eleven manufacturing plants located in USA, Mexico, Canada, Asia Pacific and South America, as well as Europe. LNP is known for innovative, value-added products and ultra-fast development of viable solutions for its customers. The LNP product portfolio includes a wide range of specialty compounds for information technology, automotive, health care, industrial and consumer applications. Details can be found 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.

Staramide® is a registered trademark of LNP Engineering Plastics Europe BV.

Lexan® is a registered trademark of GE Plastics.

Related images

Staramide® composite delivers 90% parts reduction and new performance benefits for the fan wheel and housing of the TG60 and TG45 series cross flow blowers manufactured by Medys, Italy.

(Photo: LNP, LNPPR010E)

LNP