Engineered Plastic | Questions

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

B.I.R.S. Machine & Supply distributes Engineered Plastic Sheet, Rod, Tube, and Film. Below is common question and answers that come across our site or customer conversations. If you have a question email us at salesbirsmachine@gmail.com.

Friction & wear fillers: How does graphite-filled materials enhance friction and wear?

Graphite is pure carbon, which in a finely ground state exhibits high lubricating properties. By incorporating it uniformly into a polymer, the coefficient of friction can be lowered in plastics such as PTFE, Acetal, PEEK, Vespel® SP-21, Vespel® SP-22 to name a few.

Friction & wear fillers: What is MoS2 and why is it added to Nylons or plastics?

MoS2 stands for Molybdenum disulphide. MoS2 is used primarily as a nucleating agent and forms a uniform fine crystalline structure even when small amounts are added to plastics. Molybdenum disulphide added to plastics increases the abrasion resistance and reduces friction in wearing components. Nylon MD (MoS2)

Friction & wear fillers: Why is PTFE filled materails better for sliding applications?

PTFE is a high temperature fluorinated polymer. Typical of this material is its remarkable non-sticking properties. Under pressure the particles from PTFE filled plastics develop a fine, sliding polymer film on the opposite material surface. Examples, Delrin® AF 13%, Delrin® AF 20%, Vespel® SP-22, Bronze-Filled PTFE, Polyester PTFE-Filled, Torlon® 4203L.

What is Nylatron GSM?

Nylatron®GSM is a trade name or traded name for Quadrant Engineered Plastics Products Cast Nylon MD. Nylatron®GSM is a Cast Nylon PA6 material with added Molybdenum Disulphide. Other known material names are Nylon Moly-Filled, MoS2 PA6, Nylon MD, Black Nylon, Nylon Grey/Black, Vekton® and the list goes on and on. Nylatron®GSM or Nylon MD the material is sold in sheet, plate, rod, tube, custom cast parts or disc form. B.I.R.S. Machine & Supply distributes Nylon MD (MoS2) in sheet, rod and tube. We stock 2" diameter to 13" diameter rod and sheets from .250" to 4.000" thick. We offer Nylon MD Sheet/Plates cut-to-size, Nylon MD Rod by the foot, Rod by the inch in some larger diameters, Nylon MD Tubular Bars are quoted upon request.

Why is OptiglassPC polycarbonate extruded sheet so clear?

OptiglassPC unlike other competitive materials is it produced/manufactured with 100% pure virgin resin on a start-of-art extrustion line. Other polycarbonate manufacturers blend up to 20% recycled polycarbonate resin into virgin resin to lower material cost. Use OptiglassPC for "glass like" applications.

What diameters of UHMW Ceram P does BIRS Machine & Supply stock?

We have in stock 2" diameter, 3" diameter, 4" diameter and 5" diameter. We sell this material by the foot.

What diameters of UHMW Glass-Filled Lime Green rod does BIRS Machine & Supply stock?

We stock 2" diameter, 3" diameter, 4" diameter and 6" diameter. We sell this material by the foot.

What is the best indexable insert to turn engineered plastics with?

Solid Cabide, polished, high rake ... contact us for Plastic Turning Inserts. TB3 Grade.