800°F here we come: Ultra Purge targets ultra high-temperature materials800°F here we come: Ultra Purge targets ultra high-temperature materials

Graziano Pestarino, president Moulds Plus International USA, which markets the Ultra Purge line of chemical cleaning and purging compounds, told PlasticsToday at Plastec West 2013 that the new product will target applications in areas like medical and aerospace, where small lots are common and material changes can be very difficult but changeover scrap is too costly. Pestarino said the grade, which utilizes a new formulation, is currently undergoing testing with customers and will be called HTPlus. The company plans on keeping its current HT high-temperature grade as well. That grade works in a temperature range from 555°F (290°C) to 716°F (400°C) purging materials like PEEK, PPO, PPS, and PEI.  

A Moulds Plus International representative noted that the new HTPlus grade would also work well in situations where screw pull is still required. Many compounders are required to pull screws between batches, and this compound will actually allow them to "unwrap" materials from screw when they do so, speeding up changeovers.

Pestarino said his company is also working hard to improve grades for optical applications and high-clarity parts like automobiles lighting lenses. In terms of the company's financial performance, Pestarino said Mould Plus achieved its business goals in 2012, and to start 2013, had its greatest sales month ever in January, with active clients in medical, packaging, and automotive, its largest market.

Pestarino noted that his company has added staff to better cover the U.S. market and also has a new distributor in Canada, which he believes contributed to stronger sales in Ontario and Quebec.