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• Maintains strength and stiffness to 500°F (260°C)
• Minimal expansion rate to 500°F (260°C)
• Excellent wear resistance in bearing grades
• Able to endure harsh thermal, chemical and stress conditions

Torlon is the highest performing, melt processable plastic. It has superior resistance to elevated temperatures. It is capable of performing under severe stress conditions at continuous temperatures to 500°F (260°C). Parts machined from Torlon stock shapes provide greater compressive strength and higher impact resistance than most advanced engineering plastics (See Figure 22).

Torlon PAI's extremely low coefficient of linear thermal expansion and high creep resistance deliver excellent dimensional stability over its entire service range (see Figure 23). Torlon is an amorphous material with a Tg (glass transition temperature) of 537°F (280°C). Torlon stock shapes are post-cured using procedures developed jointly by BP Amoco and Quadrant. This eliminates the need for additional curing by the end user in most situations. A post-curing cycle is sometimes recommended for components fabricated from extruded shapes where optimization of chemical resistance and/or wear performance is required.

For large shapes or custom geometries like tubular bar, compression molded Torlon shapes offer designers the greatest economy and flexibility. Another benefit of selecting a compression molded grade is that resins are cured, or "imidized" prior to molding which eliminates the need to post-cure shapes or parts fabricated from compression molded shapes.

Popular extrusion and injection molding grades of Torlon are offered as compression molded shapes. Typically, you can identify a compression molded grade as having a second digit of "5" in the product name.

Figure 22 Click to Enlarge	Figure 23 Click to Enlarge
Figure 24 Click to Enlarge

	Extruded or Injection Molded PAI	Compression Molded PAI
For electrical or high strength applications	Torlon 4203 (Extruded or Injection Molded) Torlon 4203 polyamide-imide offers excellent compressive strength and the highest elongation of the Torlon grades. It also provides electrical insulation and exceptional impact strength. This grade is commonly used for electrical connectors and insulators due to its high dielectric strength. Its ability to carry high loads over a broad temperature range makes it good for structural components such as linkages and seal rings. Torlon 4203 is also an excellent choice for wear applications involving impact loading and abrasive wear.	Torlon 4503 (Compression Molded) This grade is commonly used for dies and patterns of formed metal parts or as thermal insulators. It is similar I composition to Torlon 4203 PAI, and selected when larger shapes are required.
For general purpose wear and friction parts	Torlon 4301 (Extruded or Injection Molded) This Torlon PAI is primarily used for wear and friction parts. It offers a very low expansion rate, low coefficient of friction and exhibits little or no slip-stick in use. Torlon 4301's flexural modulus of 1,000,000 psi, is higher than most other advanced engineering plastics. This grade excels in severe service wear applications such as non-lubricated bearings, seals, bearing cages and reciprocating compressor parts.	Torlon 4501 (Compression Molded) Torlon 4501 PAI is well suited for general purpose wear and friction parts. It has a higher compressive strength and can therefore carry more load than Torlon 4540. It is similar in composition to Torlon 4301 PAl, and selected when larger shapes are required.
For best wear resistance and lowest coefficient of friction		Torlon 4540 (Compression Molded) This seal and bearing grade offers a very low coefficient of friction and good wear properties. It was developed specifically for use in rotating equipment. Its composition is the same as the former Torlon 4340 polyamide-imide and used when larger (especially tubular) shapes are required. Typical applications for Torlon 4540 PAI include labyrinth seals, wear rings, bushings, and bearings of all types.
Glass reinforced for improved load capacity	Torlon 4XG (Extruded) Torlon 4XG PAI is 30% glass-reinforced It offers high rigidity, retention of stiffness, a low expansion rate and improved load carrying capabilities. This grade is well suited for applications in the electrical/electronic, business equipment, aircraft and aerospace industries.	Torlon 5530 (Compression Molded) Torlon 5530 is 30% glass-reinforced. It is ideal for higher load structural or electronic applications. This grade is similar in composition to Torlon 5030 PAI. It is selected for larger shapes or when the greatest degree of dimensional control is required.
Carbon reinforced For non-abrasive Wear performance	Torlon 4XCF (Extruded) Torlon 4XCF PAI is 30% carbon fiber-reinforced. It offers exceptional stiffness, nonabrasive wear performance and the lowest coefficient of thermal expansion of all materials profiled in this guide.

Proven Applications:

Chip Nests and Sockets By retaining dimensional stability over a broad temperature range, parts made of Torlon 5530 improve reliability of test connections and extend part life. (Prior material: Vespel® PI)
High Temperature Electrical Connectors Torlon 4203 and 4XG polyamide-imides provide outstanding electrical performance and high temperature stability. (Prior materials: Nylon, PPS, Ultem® PEI)
Labyrinth Seals Torlon 4540 PAI's rub tolerance gives users and manufacturers of turbocompressors efficiency gains and higher throughput capability by reducing seal clearances. (Prior material: Aluminum)
Bearing Cages Torlon 4203 and 4301 PAI's low expansion rate and excellent wear resistance enable manufacturers to increase bearing speeds and extend part life. (Prior materials: Steel Cages, Hardened Steel Balls, Bronze Bushings)
Can Mandrel Torlon 4203 PAI's extraordinary compressive strength and abrasion resistance permit higher production rates, longer part life, and increased support of aluminum cans during printing. (Prior materials: Nylon, UHMW, Ceramic-coated Steel)
Engineering Notes As Torlon PAI has a relatively high moisture absorption rate (see Figure 24), parts used in high temperature service or made to tight tolerances should be kept dry prior to installation. Thermal shock resulting in deformation can occur if moisture laden parts are rapidly exposed to temperatures above 400°F (205°C).