1. Introduction to Synthetic Filaments
2008 ABMA Convention
Introduction to Synthetic Filaments
Good morning, my name is Andrew McIlroy from Hahl Incorporated of Lexington SC, I also work for Hahl Fil GmbH and Pedex GmbH, member companies of Lenzing Plastics.
The filling material of any brush, be it a roller, strip, toothbrush or paintbrush is vital to the products efficiency, whether it be used to sweep, scrub, apply liquid solutions, deburr, polish or simply to act as a screen or shield against a surface.
There are many different filling materials available for many different types of brush manufacture – natural animal hair, steel wire, vegetable fibres and also mixtures of these products. I‘m going to talk to yoy about plastic filaments, or synthetic filaments related to brush manufacturing and use.
Most brush manufacturers watching this presentation will use, or have used synthetic filling materials in their products and certainly possess a certain amount of knowledge relating to their applications.
I‘m here to give some general information on this topic, if anyone has more specific questions, please stop by our booth afterwards.
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2. Introduction How to identify a filament
Introduction
How to identify a filament
Properties of Individual Polymers
Specialty Materials
Parameters Related to Brush Manufacturing
OK, so here are the points that I will be covering:
How to identify a synthetic filament using different techniques
Properties of individual polymers
Specialty materials, nothing to do with Specialty Filaments, I may add, but more so high tech filaments
Finally I will run through some others parameters to consider for brush filling.
I’d like to start firstly by apologising in advance to Dave Parr, the Board and our competitors, I realise that I am to be absolutely neutral in what I say, but if I do use the words ‘us’, we, Hahl, Lenzing or similar, this is merely a slip of the tongue and not intentional.
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3. How to Identify a Synthetic Filament
How to Identify a Synthetic Filament
It is common for brush manufacturers to send their suppliers materials to be analysed. This can be quite a costly and time consuming affair for overworked lab personnel, so why not try to do it yourself.
Here are some DIY tips which could save you some time. You will need a cigarette lighter, some distilled water and some formic acid.
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PET vs PBT – PET stiffer and less flexible
PPN will float in water
PPN and PE will perform and smell the same when set on fire.
If you do require more clarification, you supplier will of course be happy to oblige.
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4. Properties of Individual Polymers
Properties of Individual Polymers
Here again are the main polymers used for brush filling material.
To the Nylon family first of all:
All filaments in the Nylon family have a virtually identical working temperature of ºC ( F). Nylon 66 generally has a higher softening and melting point compared to the rest and this fact should be used for guidance only – you do not want your filaments to be melting in any kind of application.
Moisture absorption is a critical point when talking about Nylon filaments. Nylon 6 is ideal for dry applications, and possesses the same mechanical stiffness properties as 66 and 612 when used dry.
In applications involving moisture, or submersion in water using Nylon, then 66 or most likely 612 will be the product of choice. The same can be said for abrasive filaments here, for dry applications type 6 will be capable in most areas, but when using coolants or other liquids, the better option is Nylon 612.
The Polyolefin family of products (Polyester PBT and PET, PPN and PE) have the best, or lowest moisture absorption although unlike Nylons, they do possess differing qualities of stiffness, bend recovery and resistance to abrasion.
With regard to chemical resistance, this can be a tricky subject to speak generally about, although the general guideline is that Nylons prefer alkali solutions (Ph scale greater than 7) and Polyesters prefer acid (Ph value below 7). PPN will generally resist most chemicals.
Again these properties are mentioned as a guide. It is vitally important to test material in an application to ensure suitability.
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5. Specialty Polymers High Heat Flame Retardant
Specialty Polymers
High Heat
Flame Retardant
Conductive/anti-static applications
HT Nylon 66
PPS
PEEK HB V2 V0
I’ve already spoken quite a lot about standard nylon and polyester filaments and for years these have been the staple for brush filling material.
In recent years brush manufacturers have been faced with more critical applications and providing solutions to a problem. This has led suppliers to develop new raw materials with their resin suppliers.
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6. Filament Parameters Related to Brush Manufacturing
Filament Parameters Related to Brush Manufacturing
Diameter & Brush trim length
Shapes and Profiles
Level Filaments
Crimped Filaments
Flagged Filaments
So you’ve chosen the right material, now you need to consider some of the other factors which filaments can cover:
Firstly diameter versus trim length in the brush: filaments are generally available from most suppliers in a diameter range of .003 to .130” (0,075mm – 3,50mm) and everything in between if you so desire. The diameter is in the large part determined by the trim length of the filaments in the brush – there is no sense in expecting an .008” filament in a brush with a 10” trim length to have any kind of stiffness.
Diameters can be mixed as well, either by hand or from the extruder to give brushes dual purpose, eg. A road sweeping brush filled with part .080” material for the heavy duty work and part .040” for sweeping fine dirt from the gutter or in between paving stones.
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7. Summary Define the properties required for the application
Summary
Define the properties required for the application
Choose specification and material type
Sample your customer
Treat your supplier well!
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