Finding the right material solution for specialized applications is always challenging as they may be exposed to extreme environments or chemicals or may need to be nonconductive or lighter in weight. Often low temperature thermoplastics and metal parts may not be the best fit in these instances, which is where high-performance polymers provide a more precise fit and a better option as they are recognized for greater temperature and chemical stability, mechanical properties, strength, and rigidity.
In the healthcare and life sciences industry, high-performance polymers are valuable as they withstand chemicals and stringent operating conditions as well as address needs for longer life and reduced maintenance in applications such as portable oxygen concentrators, in vitro analytical equipment and dental drills.
Omniseal Solutions’ Meldin® polymer material offers a complete range of polyimide and engineered thermoplastic materials for specific high-demand applications. These parts can be used in specialized applications where high thermal resistance and good mechanical properties at high temperatures are required. They retain critical properties at continuous operation at temperature ranges from cryogenic through +600°F (+315°C), and can be used intermittently at even higher temperatures [up to +900°F (+482°C)]. They withstand harsh chemicals, tremendous pressure, extreme speeds, friction and wear and are also lighter in weight.
First developed in the 1970s by Ted Rulon Miller as an alternative to melamine, the Meldin® 2000 line was used as a filler for the Rulon® product – a polymer material developed in the late 1950s by another Miller in the family, Robert Rulon Miller, as part of a new plastic saddle design for longer wear life.. Since that time, numerous series and grades of Meldin® have been developed for use in seals, bearings, bushings, piston rings, thrust washers, vanes, gears, and other engineered critical parts in a variety of industries.
Meldin® grades are available in thermoplastics, which can be melted down and reused, and thermoset polyimides, which become irreversibly hardened upon being cured but can still offer even higher temperature resistance. The Meldin® line includes:
Launched in 1980, this family of high temperature Meldin® polymers began with the 1000 and 5000 series that are used often in life sciences and automotive applications.
These thermoset materials were developed before thermoplastics and evolved to the commercial production of Meldin® 7000 in 1991, becoming Omniseal Solutions’ flagship series for high-performance solutions especially for aerospace and space industries.
Selecting the right Meldin® material solution often depends on a number of factors surrounding the application such as:
With the potential to provide longer use, higher temperature resistance, and lighter weight, Meldin® products have been used extensively in diverse markets. Specific applications include:
With over 50 years of global manufacturing experience at the Bristol and Wertheim sites and close collaboration with customers, Omniseal Solutions delivers the precise fit thermoplastic or thermoset solution.
Every Meldin® batch manufactured is tested before materials are molded. State-of-the-art tribology labs test wear rate, coefficient of friction, and surface temperatures in real time to determine the most suitable materials for the application. Finite Element Analysis (FEA), 3-D modeling, CAD drawings, CAE simulation of processes and mold flow are also often used. Leveraging the most modern manufacturing techniques such as WCM, 5S, Kaizen, and Six Sigma also ensures the highest quality products. Omniseal Solutions’ worldwide facilities are all ISO 9001 certified and one of the few to be AS9100 certified for aerospace and IATF 16949 certified for automotive.
Which Meldin® material might be right for your application? Contact us today to learn more.