Solvay (Brussels / Belgium; www.solvay.com) has launched a suite of integrated services to assist customers in fast-tracking new parts made from its “Technyl” PA range to market. The “Hub by Technyl” platform brings together Solvay’s “MMI Technyl Design” predictive simulation tool with prototyping in “Sinterline” 3D printing services and application performance testing (APT).

Antoine Guiu, global R&D manager at Solvay Performance Polyamides, said the platform provides customers with “enhanced capabilities and synergies for ecodesign agility and cost optimisation.”

The new “Technyl APT” laboratory in Lyon / France comprises a site for testing fluids, including circulation, leakage, air pulsation, burst pressure and corrosion. Solvay said the addition of a test bench for water management systems means it can now simulate the ageing of materials in hot/cold water circulation trials at different chlorine and oxygen levels. This, it explained, allows companies to evaluate the performance of applications under extensive real-life conditions, such as adaptive burst pressure, weld line resistance, surface aspect and weight reduction.

“Global manufacturers of components in contact with potable water, such as boilers, circulation pumps and water meters, are increasingly looking to address cost and performance challenges while speeding time-to-market,” said Florence Schutz, global marketing manager at Solvay Performance Polyamides, adding that the upgraded capabilities enables integrated component design that would not be possible in metal.