HIGH-TEMPERATURE PLASTICS | MATERIALS


outstanding green share from bio-waste sources but at prime quality.” Envalior – with General Motors and Schaeffler – also won an SPE innovation award in 2025 for a thin-wall actuator gear design. The component, which uses Stanyl PA46, enables electronic throttle control (with a 30% weight reduction) and cost savings in two of GM’s compact SUVs – while enhancing stiffness, wear resistance and packaging efficiency. The mid-gear design ensures precise pedal-to-


throttle response and excellent impact absorption – virtually eliminating tooth breakage. By combining high-flow W&F-optimised Stanyl


PA46 and 50-60% glass fibre-reinforcement, followed by post-mould heat treatment, the team achieved precise gear geometry and optimised mechanical gear performance. The thin wall actuator gear design delivers 30% higher stiffness and 20% higher wear resistance. In addition, the new design was 30% lighter and 20% cheaper and smaller than a conventional 1.5 mm-thick actuator gear wall.


Recovered PPS Polyplastics has developed two new Durafide grades of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) – which include mechanically recycled content. The 40% glass fibre-rein-


forced grades are rG-PPS 1140A1R00 (100% recycled content) and 1140A1R30 (30% recycled content). The offering is part of the company’s Duracir-


cle initiative, which aims to achieve 100% circularity for engineering plastics. The new grades are offered through the company’s re-compounding service, which uses process scrap collected from customers as raw material. Here, Polyplastics collects glass fibre-reinforced


PPS process scrap from partner companies. After inspection, sorting, and reformulation, the materi- als are compounded and undergo the same quality assurance as virgin materials. Polyplastics sells these materials through its global sales network. Currently, collection targets are limited to specific grades of glass-filled Durafide PPS materials. For the re-compounding business and establish-


ment of its ‘Open PIR Mechanical Recycling’ scheme, developing new applications and secur- ing collection routes are essential.


www.injectionworld.com


Polyplastics is also looking to add new mechani-


cal recycled PPS grades to its lineup in response to market needs. The goal is to build self-contained “local production for local consumption” recycling chains.


In addition, the company has made several capacity expansions for its advanced materials, including liquid crystal polymer (LCP). Last year, it established a new Laperos LCP plant – with an annual capacity of 5,000 tonnes – in Taiwan. The company plans to raise LCP sales volume by around 15% in fiscal year 2026. The plant is scheduled to reach full operation in the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, enabling an integrated production system with compounding in Taiwan. This is expected to shorten lead times and reduce inventory levels. In fiscal year 2027, Polyplastics plans to intro- duce new polymers for high-performance elec- tronic devices that support faster data transmission. Polyplastics has already


expanded the Laperos product line with its new LH and TF series, which meet the electronics market’s demand for higher performance and miniaturisation. These new grades will accelerate


expansion into a broader range of applications and product develop- ment through two approaches: versatility in meeting diverse design needs; and high flowability. The LH series has well-bal- anced performance, combining flowability, mechanical properties


and heat resistance. Their adaptability allows them to accommodate a range of product designs, making them suitable for various component applications. The TF series is engineered for high fluidity for better moulding of complex geometries found in smartphones and precision electronic components. While maximising flowability, the TF series also maintains excellent mechanical proper- ties and a flexible moulding window, providing materials that support miniaturisation and high- density integration in electronic devices. Produced in Japan and Taiwan, Laperos LCP has an annual production capacity of 20,000 tonnes. Its properties include high mechanical strength, heat resistance and coefficient of linear thermal expansion.


Bio-based version Also in LCPs, Sumitomo Chemical has developed


March/April 2026 | INJECTION WORLD 17


Left: Siemens’ new coupling relay housings use an Envalior plastic derived from used cooking oil


IMAGE: SIEMENS


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