Advances in High Temperature Resistant Plastics for Use in Motors and Gears

SUMMARY

High Costs and User Doubts Slow Adoption of High Temperature Plastics in Motor and Gear Applications

High temperature resistant plastics are being increasingly used in the production of motor components and gears, hot fuel systems, and air manifolds in automobiles that would have degraded earlier-generation polymers. However, high costs and lingering doubts among potential end users about the efficacy of these plastics are holding back their adoption. One of the toughest uses for plastics in automotive motors is in bearings, which have to withstand high temperatures as well as pressures, wear, and chemical aggression to be proven effective. Moreover, plastics processing, when compared to metalworking, is extra sensitive to environmental factors, such as humidity.

This Technical Insights research service analyzes the advances in high temperature plastics for motors and gears, segmenting it by automotive, marine, oil and gas, materials handling, industrial machinery, and aviation applications. In addition to discussing the various technology drivers and restraints, the study also covers research and development efforts at various universities, leading companies, and other research institutions across the globe. This comprehensive research service helps participants identify potential collaborators, stay ahead of competition, and keep abreast with critical developments.

Injection Molding of Plastics Facilitates Production and Attracts Manufacturers

"Injection molding of high temperature resistant plastics provides makers with design flexibility, high production rates, lower labor costs, and lesser need for finishing molded parts," remarks the analyst of this research service. "Compared to the costly and labor-intensive forging, casting, cutting, and grinding of metals, these factors attract manufactures to shift to polymers." The greatest advantage the parts offer to motor makers is their lightweight. This translates into greater fuel efficiency, a benefit brought home by the ongoing spike in gasoline prices.

Replacing metal parts is thus a huge opportunity for high temperature-resistant plastics manufacturers. Opening new markets for next-generation polymers is probably the fastest way to increase their demand. Leading plastics makers that are already involved in high temperature product development are expected to continue manufacturing them, particularly in applications where there is enough capital to buy costly products, such as automotive and marine engines. A strong chemical engineering presence in research and development divisions is required for these companies to be effective in maintaining high production standards.

Technological Advances Boost Performance Potential of High Temperature-Resistant Plastics

New plastic gears can help reduce maintenance costs and power consumption while ensuring longer wear.

Plastic gears are corrosion-resistant and can reduce noise significantly. Further, computer-aided-design (CAD) tools have had a positive impact on plastic gears, whose designs can now be optimized to meet specifications such as elevated temperatures and humidity. "Design engineers are using CAD tools and state-of-the-art testing methods to predict the performance of plastic gears with greater accuracy, thus advancing their development and demand," explains the analyst. In addition, high-performance plastics have been successful in improving the quality and working life of parts in numerous industrial applications that were once served by metal components. These applications comprise of feed, spur, and worm gears, as well as those in engines such as bearings, pistons, retaining rings, and valves. Plastic gears were, until recently, restricted to low-transmission applications, but improvements have brought them into high performance functions including race cars and household appliances. Since plastic gear manufacturing is cheaper than that of metal gears, even incremental improvements in the performance of the former are expected to expand their use.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• 1. Executive Summary
  • 1. Introduction
    • 1. Overview
    • 2. Highlights
  • 2. Scope and Methodology
    • 1. Scope
    • 2. Methodology
• 2. New Resins
  • 1. Technology Trends
    • 1. Technology Trends
    • 2. Technology Drivers; Limitations and Adoption Analysis
  • 2. Clearly Heat Resistant
    • 1. High-Temperature Sulfone Polymer--USA
    • 2. Zytel Nylons--USA
    • 3. iGlide Materials--Germany
  • 3. Motor Applications
    • 1. Technology Trends
    • 1. Technology Trends
    • 2. Technology Drivers; Limitations and Adoption Analysis
  • 2. Serving All Motors
    • 1. Aurum in Automotive Applications--Japan
    • 2. Advanced Moldings: Working with OEMs--USA
    • 3. New Generation Motor Polymers: Xytel PPS--USA
• 4. Gear Applications
  • 1. Technology Trends
    • 1. Technology Trends
    • 2. Technology Drivers; Limitations and Adoption Analysis
  • 2. Build a Better Gear
    • 1. Ikona High Performance Gears--Canada
    • 2. PEEK-Based Long Lasting Gears--UK
    • 3. Distributor Viewpoint--USA
    • 4. Made-to-Order Gears--USA
• 5. Patents and Contacts
  • 1. Patents and Contacts
    • 1. Key Patents
    • 2. Key Contacts
• 6. Frost & Sullivan 2005 Science and Technology Awards
  • 1. Technology Leadership Award
    • 1. Award Description
    • 2. Award Recipient
  • 2. Technology Innovation Award
    • 1. Award Description
    • 2. Award Recipient
• 7. Critical Reference Tables
  • 1. Decision Support Database
    • 1. Car Production Statistics
    • 2. Bus Production Statistics
    • 3. Heavy Truck Production Statistics