VTEC Applications

Semiconductor & Electronic Manufacturing/Testing

Etch chamber components (Clamp Rings, Screws, Caps, Insulators, Gas Plate Inserts, etc.)
Why VTEC? Long plasma exposure life, less equipment downtime and higher yields because VTEC is dense, stable and has zero extractables.

CMP Retaining Rings
Why VTEC? Best combination of low wear, low abrasiveness and low moisture absorption.

Vacuum Wands and Push-Up/Pick-Up Devices
Why VTEC? Improved yields because VTEC is ultra pure, abrasion resistant and performs reliably at temperatures to 300°C.

Semiconductor Test Sockets, Test Socket Holders, Probe Heads, Nests, Stripper Plates, Contactors, Aligners, Adapters, Boat Inserts and Trays
Why VTEC? Improved performance because VTEC is hard (less burrs in tiny holes), dimensionally stable (low CTE, isotropic) and performs reliably at temperatures to 300°C. Embedded fibers in some materials will reduce drilling directional accuracy and should normally be avoided in favor of homogeneous engineered plastics such as VTEC.

Wafer Handler Combs
Why VTEC? Improved yields because VTEC is ultra pure, abrasion resistant and performs reliably at temperatures to 300°C.

Burn-In Boards & Circuit Boards
Why VTEC? VTEC is the premium resin for polyimide-based glass fabric prepreg laminates for demanding printed circuit board applications where high temperature stability and fabrication ease are paramount. VTEC has a high Tg without the characteristic difficulties of brittleness and low initial bond strength associated with traditional thermoset polyimides.
• VTEC_Semi.pdf (VTEC PI for semiconductor wafer processing applications)

Aircraft

Engine Components (Vane Bushings, Bearings, Washers, etc.)
Why VTEC? In jet engine simulation testing, VTEC offers low wear and coefficient of friction across a wide range of temperatures. At 400°C, VTEC outwears Vespel SP-21 by a factor of 5 to 1. VTEC's dimensional stability is outstanding — 0% change after 24 hrs at 500°F — and VTEC Polyimide's compressive strength is about 20% higher than established standards for polyimide materials, adding a extra measure of safety.
• VTEC_BG21bw.pdf (VTEC BG for aircraft bushing and bearing applications)

Engine Oil Seals
Why VTEC? VTEC can easily resist jet engine oil operating temperatures of 350°F with excursions to 475°F with no discernable change in dimensions. Therefore, VTEC can seal without the need for supplemental gaskets or seals.

Automotive

Thrust Washers, Seal Rings, Electric Motor Components
Why VTEC? Superior life and reduced cost because VTEC wear resistant grades have superior mechanical properties, are self-lubricating and reduce torque.
• VTEC_BG21.pdf (VTEC BG for automotive wear applications)

Brake Shoes and Clutch Facings
Why VTEC? The thermal performance is well beyond traditional epoxies. VTEC saves cost through faster part curing. And with VTEC, a lower filler percentage is required compared to competitive polyimides.

Industrial Wear Applications

Bearings, Bushings, Thrust Washers, Splines, etc.
Why VTEC? Lower overall maintenance costs because VTEC is self-lubricating and offers superior resistance to the combined attacks of high temperature, wear, compression and oxidation.

Ball Bearing Cages and Retainers
Why VTEC? Lubrication free performance because VTEC is dimensionally stable and creep resistant at elevated temperature.
• VTEC_BG21.pdf (VTEC BG for industrial wear applications)

Gas and Liquid Chromatography (GC & HPLC)

HPLC Ferrules
Why VTEC? Effective, inert sealing because VTEC with graphite is hard, retains its dimensional integrity at elevated temperatures and pressures, and it absorbs very little moisture.

GC Quartz Capillary Tubing Coating
Why VTEC? VTEC liquid is ideal for coating quartz capillary tubing to add strength and reduce breakage.

Rotor Seals for Injectors and Valves
Why VTEC? VTEC with graphite and Teflon is compliant and seals effectively. It is also resistant to chemical and wear attack for long trouble free service life.

Glass Manufacturing

Grippers, Sweep Outs, Rollers, Pads, etc.
Why VTEC? Reduced rejects because non-brittle VTEC transfers intense heat that can result in micro cracks in the glass. In tests where 70kg glass TV screens contacted VTEC, it appeared almost unaffected after a full 7 minutes at 850°F (454°C) — 6 times longer than normal production contact. The customer was using Vespel, but the service life is rather poor. At another glass factory, glass bottles at 1350°F (732°C) were touched against VTEC to test its heat resistance. The result was about the same as the TV screen test — the VTEC was almost unchanged.
• VTEC_Hot_Glass.pdf (VTEC PI for hot glass handling)

Business Machines

Copy Machine Bushings, Stripper Fingers, Bearings and Wear Pads
Why VTEC? Less maintenance because VTEC withstands high temperatures, is extremely wear resistant and requires no lubrication.

Medical

Hip and Knee Replacement Implants, Spinal Implants, Catheters, etc.
Why VTEC? VTEC is so pure the human body does not reject it. No organisms will grow on it, and unfilled VTEC contains zero metal and mineral extractables. VTEC is invisible to the body. VTEC is not FDA approved, but finished VTEC can achieve compliancy. All implant work related to VTEC has occurred outside the USA, but fast track testing is currently under way in the US at an orthopedic implant supplier in conjunction with a respected medical university.

Compressors & Rotating Equipment

Poppets and Discs in Suction and Discharge Valves
Why VTEC? Improved performance because VTEC is self-lubricating, seals against gas escape, is wear resistant and impact shock resistant.

Piston Rings and Labyrinth Seals
Why VTEC? Less maintenance downtime and more productivity because VTEC out wears previous phenolic parts by many times.

Valve Plates
Why VTEC? Improved performance because VTEC seals while resisting repeated impact and cyclic loading, resists corrosion attack and absorbs energy in the valve's operation.

Valves & Pumps

Seats, Seals, Vanes, etc.
Why VTEC? Superior performance and life because VTEC withstands temperatures from cryogenic to 300°C (excursions to 500°C), resists most chemicals, is compliant without deforming (creep resistant) and will effectively seal thin gasses.

Plasma/Welding Torches

Swirl Rings, Gas Diffusers, Insulators and Baffles
Why VTEC? Reduced breakage and long life because VTEC is strong, wear resistant, non-fragile (unlike ceramic) and resistant to continuous exposure to high temperatures.

Textile Equipment

Bobbin Bearings, Wear Strips and Guides
Why VTEC? Less maintenance and reduced overall costs because VTEC wear resistant grades have superior mechanical properties, are self lubricating and withstand extreme mechanical/thermal stress.

Miscellaneous Applications

Locking Fastener Inserts
Why VTEC? Sure locking performance with the added benefit of reusability because VTEC withstands hot, hostile environments while assuring a positive interference fit.

Back-up Rings and Seal Rings
Why VTEC? Effective sealing because VTEC retains its dimensional integrity at elevated temperatures and pressures.

Electrical Connectors, Coil Bobbins, etc.
Why VTEC? Reliable electrical insulation because VTEC has superior electrical and dielectric and solder resistance.

Fluorescent Light Bulb Manufacturing (Vacuum Cups, Fingers and Holders)
Why VTEC? Less maintenance downtime and breakage because VTEC offers excellent wear resistance, high temperature resistance and is more "forgiving" than previous ceramic parts.

"Down Hole" Oil Exploration Applications
Why VTEC? Reliable electrical insulation because VTEC resists high temperatures, pressures and chemical/steam attack.