Nitrofreeze® cryogenic deflashing removes flash from glass-filled PEEK coupling rings. This fast, efficient and consistent finishing process uses gaseous nitrogen to freeze the parts and plastic media to break-off surface imperfections and excess material. Because it’s a batch process, cryogenic deflashing eliminates manual deflashing such as hand trimming for faster throughputs and reduced labor costs.
The Challenge
Nitrofreeze was asked to remove flashing from glass-filled PEEK coupling rings that were black in color and cylindrical in shape. PEEK is an engineering thermoplastic that provides chemical and water resistance. Adding glass fibers reduces PEEK’s expansion rate and increases its flexural modulus. Glass-filled PEEK coupling rings are ideal for structural applications that require strength, stiffness and stability.
To meet the application’s requirements, Nitrofreeze needed to remove ejector pin flash as well as flashing along the mold’s internal parting line. Often, flash or flashing appears where metal to metal surfaces meet, or in other locations where molded material can escape. The causes of flash are numerous and can include old or worn mold cavities that no longer fit together tightly.
The Solution
Nitrofreeze used cryogenic deflashing to remove flash from the parts. First, the glass-filled PEEK coupling rings were cooled to cryogenic temperature so that the flash became brittle and easy-to-break. The parts were then tumbled and blasted with polycarbonate media. With its ability to run large batches, Nitrofreeze offered the customer cost-effective pricing for the volumes required.
Cryogenic deflashing also supported the customer’s need for quality and operational efficiency. This computer-controlled process provides repeatable, reliable results and can extend the life of worn molds that would be expensive to replace. With cryogenic deflashing, no job is too large or too small for glass-filled PEEK parts that have been molded or machined.
The Results
As the image that accompanies this case study shows, Nitrofreeze used cryogenic deflashing to remove unwanted material while protecting the surface finish and critical dimensions. Process development during sampling ensured that deflashing would maintain the features of the glass-filled PEEK coupling rings. Cryogenic deflashing is ideal for PEEK but also used for many other plastic and rubber materials.
Contact Nitrofreeze
For better results than hand trimming can provide, try cryogenic deflashing for your next project. If your part is a viable candidate for our fast, consistent, and cost-effective technology, we can perform sampling for proof-of-concept. The consultation is free of charge. To learn more, contact Nitrofreeze at the phone number and email listed below.
(508) 459-7447 x105
info@nitrofreeze.com
