Victrex Launches APTIV Film, A Comprehensive Range Of Versatile, High-Performance Films Based On VICTREX PEEK Polymer
Thornton Cleveleys, UK - In a direct response to customer and market demands, Victrex plc, one of the leading manufacturer of high performance materials, including VICTREX PEEK polymer and VICOTE Coatings, has launched APTIV film, a comprehensive range of versatile, high performance film products based on VICTREX PEEK polymer.
APTIV film shares the long list of outstanding inherent properties of VICTREX PEEK polymer, making it one of the most versatile and high performing films available. The combination of properties include: high temperature performance; excellent chemical wear and hydrolysis resistance; superior mechanical properties; excellent barrier (permeation) and electrical properties; exceptional radiation resistance; high purity; halogen free, RoHs and FDA compliance; good flammability without the use of flame retardants, low toxicity of combustion gases; and, due to the thermoplastic nature of VICTREX PEEK polymer, APTIV film provides outstanding downstream conversion flexibility and is recyclable.
APTIV films will be produced at a newly-constructed film extrusion plant co-located at Victrex's manufacturing headquarters in Thornton Cleveleys in Lancashire, UK, one of the most technologically advanced facilities for the production of high-performance polymers. The £5.3M state-of-the-art facility is one of the first high-volume film production facility dedicated to producing VICTREX PEEK film.
The APTIV film production line is custom-designed and has a unique combination of best-in-class standard equipment and proprietary design features, including a custom designed extruder, roll stack and winder. This new facility delivers flexible manufacturing features that include a state-of-the-art film extrusion die, a computerized control X-ray thickness measurement device automatically linked to the extrusion die, to deliver unsurpassed thickness tolerances, and an advanced winder capable of winding very thin film. The facility also includes equipment with the ability to provide off-line slitting, rewinding, and plasma surface treatment, and equipment designed to recycle and recover waste film benefiting customers and the environment. The atmospheric plasma surface treatment system selected by Victrex is the next generation in surface treatment surpassing the more traditional Corona based surface treatment systems in performance and the first to be supplied by the vendor of the system in Europe.
"Victrex has a great deal of experience in the use of VICTREX PEEK polymer in film applications," said Dave Hummel, Chief Executive of Victrex plc. "However, we have seen a significant increase in requests from potential and existing customers for Victrex own made and branded film products to address their very specific application needs. OEMs and processors have to address different issues depending on the industries in which they operate and Victrex has responded to this need with the introduction of the APTIV film range."
For example, processors that need to respond to the statutory requirement to use lead-free solders during the manufacture of electronic products are finding that their choices of materials are limited as the need for higher processing temperatures demand higher performance materials, whilst those operating in the aerospace sector need to harness weight-saving opportunities, without compromising performance. In both these examples APTIV film can address these needs.
"Further, the drive by OEMs and their customers, for smaller, lighter, yet more functional products across many industries has increased the demands placed on the materials used in the design and manufacture of the end product," continued Hummel. "It is our ability to work with our customers to assist them in developing their applications, and then delivering the film that is right for them, that is vital. With the introduction of the APTIV film range, our customers are guaranteed that the quality and combination of properties that they have come to depend on with VICTREX PEEK polymer, can now be replicated in a flexible film format.
"In addition, with many of our customers facing issues over the availability of other engineering plastics and films, the decision to build a dedicated APTIV film facility, as part of our fully integrated supply chain, ensures that Victrex customers have a reliable and secure supply of high quality, high performance PEEK film," continued Hummel. "This is particularly important as the majority of our customers operate ‘Just in Time' manufacturing processes. Finally, because Victrex is focused exclusively on the development and production of APTIV films, customers benefit from the elimination of material cross-contamination concerns."
The new APTIV films can be manufactured in widths up to 1.5 meters and at a thickness ranging from 6 to 750 microns. This unrivalled level of design flexibility makes APTIV film an ideal high performance solution for customers looking to facilitate reduced systems cost, improved performance, and increased design freedom to enhance their own products' performance and differentiation. Further, Victrex is continuing to work in partnership with its key customers to develop specialized films for complex applications.
APTIV film is a technology platform. With an extensive grade range, the range is expected to grow in the coming years as application needs arise and are developed. APTIV film is backed by a dedicated global team of technical, product and application experts tasked with ensuring that customers, no matter where they are in the world, will have access to applications and technical know-how to develop their own applications quickly and efficiently.
SOURCE: Victrex