High demands are placed on machine elements. When in service, they must function absolutely reliably for the longest possible time. Production loss due to maintenance work should be minimized as far as possible. Consequently, the materials used must have a large number of properties. One demand, for example, might call for good slip characteristics, low wear and high heat resistance all combined with high strength.
LUVOCOM® high-performance compounds offer many advantages over traditional materials such as metals. Carbon fiber and long fiber reinforced LUVOCOM® compounds combine low weight with good mechanical properties such as strength and rigidity. Lubricant-modified compounds reduce wear and enable low friction. Thermally conductive and electrically conductive compounds dissipate heat and electrostatic charges and thus help to ensure greater safety and better performance. Detectable compounds raise safety in food production and avoid damage – for the consumer as well. Coating powders protect components against corrosion and wear. Via 3D printing and stock shapes, it is also possible to create unusual shapes and produce both small and large series end-use parts.
The LUVOCOM® XCF product family offers carbon fiber reinforced compounds for increased requirements. Machine components subjected to a high dynamic load require a low weight combined with good mechanical strength and a high degree of rigidity. LUVOCOM® XCF compounds impress with tensile strengths of up to 425 MPa, elastic moduli of up to 52 GPa, high impact strength and elevated thermal conductivity.
Wherever tensile strength, dimensional accuracy and impact resistance are demanded, components with LUVOCOM® compounds represent an excellent alternative to metals. They give design engineers a chance to deploy lighter and generally more economical parts. Typical applications are fast-moving components in the construction of machinery and apparatus – for example thread carriers, pump impellers, gear wheels, cams and connecting rods. Our materials have also proven their worth as an alternative to aluminium in the fabrication of casings.
In addition to classical injection moulding and extrusion, 3D printing has also established itself as a production method for volume components. We offer proven material solutions for different technologies.
Robot gripper for product handling in production lines, printed from LUVOSINT® TPU and LUVOSINT® PP
Machine parts such as friction bearings, sliders and gear wheels are subject to high tribological requirements, which modified plastics are often able to meet. The materials used here are mainly compounds with incorporated lubrication. By adding lubricants and reinforcing materials we selectively improve the tribological properties of thermoplastics. An additional lubrication in many cases is not necessary. Another advantage is that the components and assemblies remain clean and their reliability is significantly improved.
These materials also offer outstanding oxidation and corrosion resistance to aqueous solutions, acids and bases which would have a decomposing effect on metal.