Plastics processor Ensinger (Nufringen / Germany; www.ensinger-online.com) has launched a range of semi-finished products as part of its “Tecasint” 4000 series of polyimide materials, offering long-term thermal stability and strength. The materials are particularly suited to applications where oxidative stability at high temperatures is important. For example, “Tecasint” 4111, offers thermal dimensional stability of 470°C, making it suitable for a range of new applications or improving the efficiency and service life in existing uses.

Ensinger said that the 4000 series offers extremely low water absorption, high chemical resistance with low outgassing, and friction values that make it suitable for tribological applications.

The high-performance materials are easily machined, and are generally suited to the manufacture of components with good load bearing properties and extreme temperature resistance. Their applications include high performance gaskets, lubricated and unlubricated friction and sliding uses, test sockets for the semiconductor industry, thermal and electrical insulation, low outgassing components for ultra-high vacuum and aerospace applications, and use in cryogenic temperature ranges.