Nuremberg, Germany – LWB Steinl and Evonik Industries have teamed up to manufacture a rotation-symmetrical plastic/rubber composite part in automated manufacturing process on show at DKT 2018.
The display showcases LWB Steinl’s capabilites in two-component injection moulding using Evonik’s Vestamid DX9325 polyamide, which is tailored for adhesive-free bonding with EPDM.
Components made of the Evonik compounds are said to form tight and permanent bonds with suitable rubber compounds without the need for pretreatment or the application of adhesives or bonding agents.
Vestamid DX9325 is a 40% glass-fibre-reinforced polyamide 612 compound, which has been developed specifically for plastic rubber-compound technology.
The engineering plastic can also be covulcanised with EPDM rubber and as a semi-crystalline polymer has enhanced resistance to fuels, oils and fats.
The composite part with EPDM can be manufactured in a single step, mostly automated procedure, similar to two-component injection moulding in a single tool, according to an Evonik release.
“There is no need for multiple handling of the components, most sources of error are avoided, and the reject rate falls,” said the statement, adding that cost savings of up to 30% could be achieved.
