Aptiv® Film Replaces Metal and Improves Performance
WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, PA, USA - Victrex Polymer Solutions, the world's leading manufacturer of high performance polyaryletherketones, and ROJ Electrotex, Biella, Italy worked together to develop an innovative thermoformed braking cone designed with APTIV®; film made from VICTREX®; PEEK(TM) polymer. The high performance thermoplastic film was selected to replace metal which suffered from mechanical decay and inconsistent braking performance on industrial weaving machines.
These high-pressure formed conic devices are used as a part of a brake to equip the textile weft feeders which are the electromechanical systems located between the loom and the spool on the weft. "Previously, the brake cones were produced by using a metal cone placed on rubber supports but ROJ found the mechanical decay of the rubber component was unacceptable and the metal cone created an inconsistent braking performance," explained Cesare Brovarone, ROJ Aeronautical Engineer.
"Brake consistency is a key feature, as it adjusts and maintains the optimum tension of the weft which the weft feeder provides to the loom at the same level. It also allows a more consistent yarn tension at every desirable tension level, while the tension depends on the pressure applied by the APTIV film cone on the weft feeder yarn running surface, thereby eliminating defects in the cloth" added Brovarone.
ROJ uses APTIV film in three different thicknesses (150, 250 and 500ìm) based on the required tension and weft characteristics. ROJ has already produced and tested thousands of the APTIV film brake cones and forecasts the production of ten thousand per year.
The unique range of properties displayed by APTIV films allows total accuracy in the production of the cones, which are made using high-pressure forming technology developed by Niebling HDVF. "This process has been a key aspect for component quality, as the strict tolerance needed by the cone shape allows the required braking consistency. We are really satisfied with this development and have decided to patent not only the structure but also the use of APTIV films for this specific application," added Brovarone.
APTIV films are the most versatile, high performance films available, providing all the performance properties of VICTREX PEEK polymer in a thin flexible format. They offer a unique combination of properties including high temperature performance, mechanical strength, chemical resistance, electrical insulation, excellent wear and abrasion resistance, purity, radiation resistance, and low moisture absorption.
For more information about APTIV films, visit www.aptivfilms.com.
Note: If you would like more information about this story, or if you would like to speak with a Victrex spokesperson, please contact Kris Jommersbach at krisj@geminiinc.com.
About ROJ Electrotex
Established in 1965, ROJ Electrotex has 220 employees and the organization includes R&D, production, selling and assistance, in both the mechanical and electrical fields. The core business consists of a wide range of products, including automatic tension-checking devices for textile production. For more information visit www.roj.com.
About Niebling HDVF
Founded in 1989, Niebling HDVF is the creator of the high-pressure-forming technology and provides highly sophisticated forming machines and equipment/tools around this process. Niebling has a broad worldwide customer portfolio in various industries and owns a large forming know-how for any kind of film materials. For more information visit: www.niebling-junior.com.
