PI: Vespel ®

Vespel ® is the trademark of a range of durable high-performance polyimide-based plastics manufactured by DuPont.

This high performance polymer is mostly used in aerospace, semiconductor, and transportation technology. It combines heat resistance, lubricity, dimensional stability, chemical resistance, and creep resistance, and can be used in hostile and extreme environmental conditions.

Unlike most plastics, it does not produce significant outgassing even at high temperatures, which makes it useful for lightweight heat shields and crucible support. It also performs well in vacuum applications, down to extremely low cryogenic temperatures.

Inno-Plast machines approximately 1.5 million Vespel® parts per year, to tight tolerances. Over the years, this has allowed us to build extensive expertise in machining the full range of Vespel® grades. In addition, we keep a wide selection of grades and sizes in stock, enabling us to respond quickly to customer needs.

Other brandnames on the market are Meldin ®, Tecasint ® and Plavis ®.

SP-1 virgin polyimide (PI)

Vespel ® SP-1 virgin polyimide provides operating temperatures from cryogenic to 300 °C, high plasma resistance, as well as a UL rating for minimal electrical and thermal conductivity. This is the unfilled base polyimide resin. It also provides high physical strength and maximal elongation, and the best electrical and thermal insulation values.

Vespel ® SP-1 Datasheet (302KB)

SP-21: polyimide filled with 15% graphite

Vespel ® SP-21 polyimide filled with 15% graphite added to the base resin for increased wear resistance and reduced friction in applications such as plain bearings, thrust washers, seal rings, slide blocks and other wear applications. This compound has the best mechanical properties of the graphite-filled grades, but lower than the virgin grade.

Vespel ® SP-21 Datasheet (302KB)

SP-22: polyimide filled with 40% graphite

Vespel ® SP-22 polyimide filled with 40% graphite for enhanced wear resistance, lower friction, improved dimensional stability (low coefficient of thermal expansion), and stability against oxidation.

Vespel ® SP-22 Datasheet (303KB)

SP-211: polyimide filled with 10% PTFE and 15% graphite

Vespel ® SP-211 polyimide filled with 10% PTFE and 15% graphite added to the base resin for the lowest coefficient of friction over a wide range of operating conditions. It also has excellent wear resistance up to 149 °C. Typical applications include sliding or linear bearings as well as many wear and friction uses listed above

Vespel ® SP-211 Datasheet (303KB)

SP-3: polyimide filled with 15% moly-filled (molybdenum disulfide solid lubricant)

Vespel ® SP-3 is used for wear and friction resistance in vacuum and other moisture-free environments where graphite actually becomes abrasive. Typical applications include seals, plain bearings, gears, and other wear surfaces in outer space, ultra-high vacuum or dry gas applications.

Vespel ® SP-3 Datasheet (303KB)

SCP-5000

Vespel ® SCP-5000 is an unfilled polyimide polymer that offers high modulus and surface hardness and improved dimensional stability. Compared to traditional polyimides, it offers better strength and stiffness at high temperatures.

Vespel ® SCP-5000 datasheet (891KB)

SCP-5050

Vespel ® SCP-5050 improve high temperature performance and wear resistance to allow for the replacement of metal and graphite parts. Vespel ® SCP-5050 enable more efficient and durable systems, increased performance and reduced maintenance costs.

Vespel ® SCP-5050 datasheet (145KB)

CR-6100

Vespel ® filled with carbon fibers The Vespel ® CR-6100 grade is a composite material consisting of carbon fibers held in a Teflon ® fluorocarbon resin matrix (PFA/CF Reinforced Composite, 20 wt% random x-y oriented carbon-fiber). Vespel ® CR-6100 has been installed in thousands of pumps in refineries, chemical plants, power plants, and other fluid processing facilities since 1996. It has replaced metal and other composite materials used for pump wear rings, throat bushings, and line shaft bearings to help users increase pump reliability and performance.

Vespel ® CR-6100 datasheet (129KB)

Frequently asked questions about Vespel®.

Source: wikipedia