Lubricant maintains base resin clarity while lowering friction

A proprietary internal lubricant called Lubriclear maintains the clarity of base resins, including ABS, SAN, and polystyrene, while providing low friction properties. For example, compared to unlubricated clear ABS, Lubriclear A (ABS) demonstrates only slightly lower light transmission in a 1/16-inch thickness?76.5 vs. 80.2 percent for the unlubricated resin. Its static and dynamic coefficients of friction are .18; those of straight ABS are .26 (static) and .21 (dynamic).

Admittedly, the material is targeted for specific niche applications, say LNP sources. It is predicted to succeed in products where long-term wear is not an issue, but rather where short-term, infrequent movement occurs. Example end uses include clips, connectors, and surgical devices in the medical industry; control knobs and buttons for automotive interiors; and business machines and electronics. Product development continues on the Lubriclear grades, but the company reports that prices should be comparable to lubricated PTFE (around $5 to $10/lb).

LNP Engineering Plastics Inc.
Exton, PA
Phone: (610) 363-4500
Fax: (610) 363-4749
www.lnp.com