This news article was originally written in Spanish. It has been automatically translated for your convenience. Reasonable efforts have been made to provide an accurate translation, however, no automated translation is perfect nor is it intended to replace a human translator. The original article in Spanish can be viewed at Compuestos termoplásticos como sustitutos del latón en tuberías y accesorios

LVL, specialist in special thermoplastic compounds, is working on the replacement of the brass and other metals

Compounds of thermoplastics as substitutes for the brass in pipes and accessories

30/04/2008

April 30, 2008

The industrial and social growth in the countries of East Asia and emerging has increased the use of metals to unexpected levels. This has led to significant increases in the price of some materials, such as for example the brass. Their replacement becomes vital to maintain the leading position in the market and ensure the continuity of the business. We see in this article the possibilities offered by LVL materials such as thermoplastic compounds.

The use of metals has increased to unexpected levels.

The metals of greatest consumption are basically the steel, aluminum, copper and its alloys, which leads to an increase in price and lower availability in the international markets. If we look at the price of copper, in four years the cost per ton has almost quadrupled, from 1700 $ in 2003 up to $6500 at the end of 2006.

The reduced supply of metals, long delivery times and high prices created production problems and delays in projects underway.

The evolution of the price of copper has created obviously hardship for alloys, including brass whose cost in 2004 increased by 20 per cent, causing an inevitable decline in the market for finished products and exports. This case has particularly affected Europe given the position in the market of European manufacturers of pipes, fittings and hydraulic and pneumatic valves.

LVL is working with international companies in the replacement of the brass and other metals in the industries of assembling of pipelines

LVL possibilities with materials such as thermoplastic compounds.

To avoid a process has no overtones of immediate solutions the replacement of the brass becomes vital to maintain the leading position in the market and ensure the continuity of the business.

It is not an easy target, but it can be achieved if the innovation goes hand in hand with partners qualified with the experience and competence in the field of technical plastic materials, the most immediate metals alternative.

LVL, European specialist in special thermoplastic compounds, is working with international companies in the replacement of the brass and other metals in the industries of assembling of pipelines.

Working with the correct thermoplastic base, reinforced and stabilised properly, it is possible to develop products that offer a mechanical performance similar to metals with lower costs and more simple and rapid production systems.

LVL products are intended for molding by injection, so that the pieces are obtained in a single operation, reducing stages of finishing and its impact on the cost and waste management.

LVL proposals are the following:

Latamid and Latigloss

Polyamide 66 charged up to 60 per cent of glass fibre. It is the best alternative in terms of price/performance, ensuring a comparable to the aluminum mechanical resistance.

The breaking load is near 220MPa, similar to that of various metals and alloys. Its chemical resistance is excellent, as well as the hardness and resistance the impact.

Latamid formulations are suitable for use in pneumatic valves and termosanitario sectors to produce boxes and actuators, controllers and bombs when high mechanical performance and reasonable costs are required.

Latigloss specialty offers the same mechanical and thermal properties as Latamid, but the surface finish improves, avoiding the problems of surface aesthetics by the presence of glass or carbon fibres.

Latigloss is available with pigments of bronze or aluminum to give it a metallic appearance.

Laramid

This is an aromatic polyamide, for the same applications as Latamid but with remarkable mechanical characteristics, mainly at break under load and thermal resistance.

The low absorption of moisture and chemical resistance of Laramid make an ideal material for applications at high temperature and in the presence of steam with aggressive additives.

Larton

It is a PPS reinforced with 40 per cent of fiberglass, ideal for dimensional stability and benefits constant in time even in severe environments in terms of temperature and chemical attack.