PFFC - March 2008 - (Page 39)

PLASMA TREATING n a twist on the old cliche, one longThe ER-WE-PA/Davis-Standard time UK-based resin supplier decided production line includes an extruder, that if you want something done at roll stack, and winder and features a all, sometimes you just have to do it computerized control X-ray thickness yourself. Victrex has been supplying PEEK measurement device automatically resin, primarily used for plastic injection linked to the extrusion die. Off-line slitmolding and stock ting/rewinding shapes, for more than is accomplished 20 years. During that on equipment We’re finding the time, only one user from Atlas (Bobst saw the potential in Group) with a market trend is extruding traditional width of 1.6 m to filmstock from PEEK match the profor a broader range of duction line. high-performance applications. Plasma Delivers But that company Key to the success & didn’t have the marof the APTIV ket reach of Victrex’s film product, consequently own worldwide sales says Percy, is an and marketing netoff-line, postpeople need more extrusion Enercon work, explains Mike Plasma3 treating Percy, global technihigher-performance system installed cal leader, Victrex on the slitter that APTIV films. “We materials.—Mike delivers and mainfelt there was a greater tains high dyne opportunity for Percy, Victrex levels for long PEEK polymer-based periods and helps film (in the broader provide the permarketplace) if it was formance properties expected by the film’s actively sold out there,” says Percy. “We buyers. The Plasma3 process generates also felt that we knew the material better, an ion discharge to the material’s surface by far, than anyone in the world,” since Victrex controls 95%–98% of the market. 100% more dense than flame treatment. Percy estimates that 30% of all PEEKPercy says Victrex, which became an based films are plasma treated. independent company after a manage“As we were building the new facilment buyout from ICI in 1993, has been ity, we wanted what we felt was the best integrating the PEEK polymer supply chain over the past seven years. First, the technology,” he says. “So, we took the leap and said, ‘We’re going to plasma company developed its own monomer treatment rather than corona treatfeed streams to guarantee continuous availability, then melt filtration and com- ment,’ and the rest is history.” Percy notes that plasma treating, which pounding capabilities. Victrex recently allows the material to hold dyne levels for expanded its polymerization capability extended periods, was a virtual requirewith the opening of a new £32 million ment for maintaining superior perforVictrex PEEK polymer plant. mance characteristics during shipment After extensive market research from its UK production facility to customand numerous customer requests, the ers in Asia, the Americas, and beyond. company decided in 2006 to develop PEEK-based films previously a proprietary extrusion line and had been corona treated, but convert its PEEK resin into the chemically resistant film. Victrex subsequently material made adhesion of invested nearly $10 milits inks and coatings diflion to expand its UK ficult, notes Percy. The facility and build a intense level of treatment custom-designed, 1.5WWW.PFFC-ONLINE.COM provided by plasma m-wide extruder that Surface Prep: solved those problems produces the film, tradeCorona, Flame, and helped customers with marked APTIV, in thickPlasma downline processes. nesses from 6–750 microns. I Exclusively from Compac transfer tape with embedded scrim POLYESTER FILM SYNTHETIC FIBER NetBond FOAM FOAM ™ pushing technology higher "Unlike ordinary polyester film adhesives, NetBond conforms to surface irregularities in foam substrates" • Ensures the dimensional stability of foam gaskets • Acrylic adhesive flows into the substrate forming strong bonds • Two grades of NetBond…. a perfect fit every time, everywhere In Addition • Compac polyester film tapes with rubber and acrylic adhesives • Custom solutions to satisfy your special requirements Get all the facts at our web site: www.compacinc Or call us at: .com/PFFC (877) 526-6722 ONE STOP 103 Bilby Road Hackettstown, NJ 07840 Tel: (877) 526-6722 Fax: (908) 850-0272 PFFC-ASAP 133 MARCH 2008 | 39 WWW.PFFC-ONLINE.COM http://WWW.PFFC-ONLINE.COM http://WWW.PFFC-ONLINE.COM

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of PFFC - March 2008

PFFC - March 2008 Table of Contents First Glance Calendar of Events From the Editor Web Lines Process Management News Clips Narrow Web & Label Reporter Narrow Web & Label What's New Products Label Converting Sleeves Cover Story - Plasma Treating Top 10 Lamination Metallizing Flex-Pack What's New Products Services Directory Classified Marketplace Equipment Buyers & Sellers Advertisers Index Experience Speaks Buyers Guide Buyers Guide Contents Product Classifications Index Basic Materials Services & Supplies Equipment, Accessories & Machinery Advertisers Index Manufacturers & Suppliers Index Free Information/Reader Service US & International Associations Hang On Insert

PFFC - March 2008

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.