3B and LVL develop a reinforced polyamide high gloss that replaced the metal

The replacement of the metal to reduce cost, complexity and weight has long been the big challenge for the compounds reinforced with glass fibre. In order to enhance the performance of these attributes and provide opportunities in the field of aesthetics, LVL has developed with 3B a 66 polyamide reinforced with glass fibre to 50 and 60% called Latigloss 66 H2 G50 and 60.

To help Latigloss to cover its requirements, 3B has developed a product that not only offer mechanical outstanding performance in the form of rigidity in the PA66, but it also presents an excellent wettability that allows a very homogeneous scattering with very high loads of glass fibre, up to 60%. The result is a solution of cut fiber of 3B made with Advantex glass with unique and optimal interaction between fiber and matrix.

LVL is specialized in high-performance thermoplastics compounds and attends to the needs of clients of all types of markets. Latigloss is done based on polyamide and glass fibre reinforced to measure. This innovative formula has been used successfully to replace the metal cast in many and various structural applications such as, for example, the vertical opening of high-end kitchen doors hinges. To respond to the challenges posed this very sophisticated system, LVL worked closely with the design group Effegi Brevetti, with a view to optimize the geometry of the individual components built to measure of the capabilities and advantages of the PA reinforced. This resulted in a redesign complete hinge system based on finite element analysis and which led to a general improvement of the geometry of the different pieces. Also studied the influence of parameters of transformation in the molded parts, and the results are satisfactory from the point of view both structural and aesthetic.

"The replacement of the metal remains a key issue in many sectors as a way to help reduce the weight, the emissions of CO₂ and the costs." Fiberglass-reinforced thermoplastic compounds have been commensurate with the challenge that was supposed to respond to these demands while they were forcing the limits of mechanical benefits, long-term durability and surface appearance. "As you are will cut the distance between the compounds and metals, are more and more industries and the applications that benefit from the advantages of the lightweight, design flexibility, corrosion resistance, color and surface aspect", says Eric Martin, director of thermoplastic products from 3B. "In 3B we are determined to develop solutions for strengthening of sustainable and durable fiberglass for thermoplastic compounds". When working with a partner of equivalent experience as LVL, we reached a solution that once again offers to designers and engineers more flexibility and helps reduce the cost of the components. "This solution offers benefits exceeding the time minimizes our impact on the environment".

For its part, Luca Posca, director of technical support and Marketing of LVL industry Termoplastici SpA, headquartered in Vedano Olona (Italy), says: "our maximum challenge was to ensure extraordinary as well as a surface for complex geometries unprecedented finish mechanical properties and dimensional stability." Benefits of the solution of reinforcement of 3B Advantex allowed us to maintain the PA 66 as the basic polymer, that fits especially well components of complicated engineering, while we offered ease of processing and price competitiveness. "There is no doubt that Latigloss will find a basis of comprehensive implementation in many markets, such as the automobile and home appliances."

In conclusion, Eric Martin said: "our technology and our process of dimensioning, in combination with Advantex glass fibre, has allowed us to turn a product of fibers cut into an element that adds real value to a solution of engineering".