Tailor-made Torlon® PAI injection molded components for new, challenging applications

Tailor-made Torlon® PAI injection molded components for "new", challenging applications

November 2022

GAPI Technische Produkte GmbH, a company of the Gapi Group, has been manufacturing injection-molded parts for extremely stressed applications for decades. The focus is on the use of high-performance thermoplastics such as Torlon® PAI, PEEK or PPS.

With its outstanding material properties in terms of thermal and mechanical stress, Torlon® PAI occupies a special position.

Torlon® PAI, exotic among the high-performance thermoplastic materials

Torlon® PAI injection molded components, e.g. sealing rings for rotary oil unions, thrust washers and plain bearings, can be used over a very wide temperature range. This ranges from the cryogenic range (below -150 °C) to a temperature of over 260 °C. Due to the extremely high glass transition temperature of over 280 °C, the mechanical properties are retained over the entire range.

Furthermore, Torlon® PAI injection molded components behave like metals under extreme conditions. Thus, by modifying it with carbon fibers, a thermal expansion of the order of steel can be achieved. Modifications with lubricants that optimise sliding further increase the already high wear resistance.

Torlon® PAI components can also be used as electrical insulators. Due to their high temperature resistance – even over the long term – they are suitable for use with electrical or electronic components. In addition, Torlon® PAI is characterized by intrinsic flame protection and low material fatigue.

New challenging applications

In the field of passenger car and commercial vehicle manufacturing, Torlon® PAI injection molded components are used as highly stressed components for the powertrain (transmissions, clutches, turbochargers, vibration absorbers, retarders).Conventional powertrains or powertrains with combustion engines are increasingly being replaced by battery-electric drives as well as by new drive technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells. This brings with it new requirements that cannot always be met by parts and components based on conventional high-performance materials.

A custom Torlon® PAI injection molded component could be the solution in such a case! In addition, Torlon® PAI is often superior to metallic materials and could solve application problems while reducing the weight of the part or component.

About Gapi Technische Produkte GmbH

Gapi Technische Produkte GmbH is a lead center of the Thermoplastics business unit and market leader in the development, production and marketing of Torlon® PAI injection molded parts. GAPI develops solutions for demanding applications with customers from the idea to series production. Due to decades of experience in the development and production of components made of high-performance materials, we support our own designs or take over the entire development and design of the component or component. In our own modern tool shop, we manufacture the injection moulding tools and ensure their maintenance.

GAPI Technische Produkte GmbH has been supplying OEMs and suppliers from the automotive industry worldwide for decades. The systems used there are known and established. We meet the requirements of IATF 16949:2016.