Polymer Brush offers chemical resistance.

Press Release Summary:




DesignFlex(TM) combines polymer extruded base and filament with heat to form totally synthetic, recyclable brush. Fused synthetic bristles such as nylon, polypropylene, or polyester are interlocked in base, and polymer base can be secured without fasteners. DesignFlex brush is suited for use in applications where brush needs to conform to radii, perform in clean areas or oxidative environments, or needs to be installed with long, uninterrupted lengths.



Original Press Release:



Felton's Flexible Brush Expands Design Possibilities for Manufacturers



Corrosion-resistant polymer brush reduces application cost and weight.

LONDONDERRY, NH (August 16, 2005)-Felton Brush, the leading manufacturer of innovative brush solutions, introduces a flexible brush, designed to reduce application cost and weight. The DesignFlexTM brush uses totally synthetic materials, which eliminates the metal typically needed in constructing brushes. Its flexibility, weight and chemical resistance provide engineers greater versatility when designing products ranging from automobiles to office equipment.

Integrated Assemblies
All brushes need to mate with another component to perform work no matter what their function-guide, hide, level, lift and meter. As manufacturers continue to seek ways to take cost out of their applications, DesignFlex provides an option to replace more expensive metal. For example, the food and pharmaceutical industries use stainless steel cylinder brushes. The DesignFlex brush can be used in the same application but integrated with a plastic cylinder. Using various capture methods, its polymer base can be secured without the need for fasteners such as screws and clips. Less metal and fewer parts reduce the cost of a total assembly.

Applications
The DesignFlex bush is especially suited when the brush needs to conform to radii, perform in clean areas or oxidative environments, needs to be installed with long uninterrupted lengths, custom shaped, all-plastic assembly or field replaceable. Typical industries include automotive that stress aesthetics, food processing and pharmaceutical that rely on clean materials, and any application that needs a cost-effective alternative to reducing stainless content such as material handling and packaging.

How It Works
The DesignFlex brush uses technology new to North American markets. It combines a polymer extruded base and filament with heat to form a totally synthetic, recyclable brush. Fused synthetic bristles such as nylon, polypropylene or polyester are interlocked in a base to create superior bristle holding power. Dies determine the shape of each base, permitting a wide variation in design. To date, nearly all brushes require metal to secure the bristles in place (wire for metal-backed brushes and staples for synthetic-backed brushes). Metal oxidizes when exposed to chemicals, stainless steel is expensive and both add weight.

A DesignFlex brush weighs 40% less than an equivalent metal-back brush. For the right application, DesignFlex will provide cost effective and performance advantages over using metal.

Field Replacement
In some applications brushes wear and need replacement. The DesignFlex brush design has a major advantage over metal in its ability to conform to varying curves after it leaves the factory. The polymer can be extruded with the stiffness (flex modulus) required for an application and then flexed to install onsite. Unlike metal that has to be formed in a fixed shape at time of manufacture, DesignFlex can be shipped flat or in long coils. Brushes can be cut to length onsite without the need for special tools. This increases its versatility, reduces shipping and packing costs, minimizes the risk of damage during handling and can provide increased installation convenience.

Aesthetics
Other applications such as wire management may call for materials to blend or contrast to the human eye. For example, an all white brush may be used to hide wire openings in modern office furniture or a bright orange brush may be needed to accentuate openings as a caution in outdoor installations. The color of both base and fill material of DesignFlex can be specified.

Availability & Pricing
DesignFlex brushes and associated assemblies will begin shipping November 1, 2005. Pricing is determined by the design and quantity requirements.

About Felton Brush Inc.
Felton is an engineering specialty brush company. Founded in 1852, Felton puts brushes to work by creating solutions essential to its industrial and commercial customers. Combining a legacy of 150 years in the brush business with modern materials and engineering practices, Felton offers a wide range of innovative products for markets including agriculture, automotive, construction, machinery, material handling and packaging. Felton headquarters are located in Londonderry, New Hampshire.

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