The perfect tan hinges on reinforced polymer

July 7, 2005
Belgium-based design house, Quadrant CMS selected Akulon Ultraflow K-FG12 to mold hinge assemblies for a full-body tanning solarium.

Hinge assemblies for HB 557 full-body combi tanning solariums from Netherland-based Royal Philips Electronics, are molded from Akulon Ultraflow K-FG12. The high-flow polyamide is 60% glass-fiber reinforced, yet processes at relatively low temperatures so a broader range of color masterbatches can be used.


Belgium-based design house, Quadrant CMS selected Akulon Ultraflow K-FG12 to mold hinge assemblies for a full-body tanning solarium. The polyamide 6 (PA6) from DSM Engineering Plastics, Evansville, Ind., reportedly provides significantly faster molding cycles, better surface finish, and takes a broader masterbatch color palette than previous PA6s.

Akulon Ultraflow K-FG12 is 60% glass filled. This makes the ratchetlike hinges strong and stiff enough to support the over 50-kg solarium top at various angles. High flow properties of the PA6 also proved important, both to fill the hinge's intricate ribs and geometry, and to ensure moldability at temperatures low enough to permit a broad range of color masterbatches.

"We worked with Quadrant CMS designers to find the best combination of mechanical strength, surface finish, and color," says DSM spokesperson Wim Dirven. " Ultraflow PAs preserve surface aesthetics despite heavy glass loadings and help prevent warpage."

MAKE CONTACT:

DSM Engineering Plastics
(812) 435-7539
www.dsmep.com
Quadrant CMS
+32 - 51- 42 32 11
www.quadrantcms.com

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