The extraordinary properties of Vespel parts may not always be required. When performance requirements are low, commonplace materials may be used successfully. But in tough applications, Vespel will provide savings in manufacturing, reliability and longer component life. DuPont Vespel parts, made of high performance SP polyimide resin:

• Are not brittle, even at minus 400oF
• Can be machined with standard metal working equipment and techniques
• Can operate at extremely high PV's
• Can perform continuously at temperatures up to 600oF with excursions up to 1000oF in many applications

Product Applications

Vespel parts are used in many demanding environments, including:

• Automobiles
• Business Machines
• Heavy-Duty Off-road Equipment
• High Performance Valves
• Jet Engines
• Semiconductor Manufacturing

Typical Vespel parts include

• Bearings
• Bushings
• Electical and Thermal
• Insulators
• Gaskets
• Seal Rings
• Thrust Washers
• Valve Seats
• Wear Pads

Product Features

Vespel shapes are available in five compositions of SP polyimide resin. You can select the composition which provides the optimum properties for your specific application:

• Physical & Electrical Properties: SP-1, the unfilled base resin, provides maximum physical strength, elongation and toughness and best electrical and thermal insulation properties. Typical applications include spacers, soldering fixtures, valve seats, balls, gaskets, poppets and static seals.
  
  
• Wear & Physical Properties: SP-21 has 15% graphite by weight, added to the base resin for low wear and friction in applications such as bearings, thrust washers, bushings, seal rings, slide blocks, and other wear surfaces. SP-21 has the maximum physical strength, elongation, and toughness of our graphite filled resins.
  
  
• Wear & Dimensional Stabilibilty: SP-22 has 40% graphite by weight, added to the base resin which provides enhanced resistance to wear and friction as well as improved dimensional and oxidative stability. SP-22 has the lowest coefficient of thermal expansion. Typical applications are the same as for SP-21.
  
  
• Low Coefficient of Friction & Unlubricated Wear: SP-211 has 10% Teflon® resin and 15% graphite by weight, added to the base resin to provide the lowest coefficient of friction over a wide range of operating conditions. It also has excellent wear resistance up to 300oF (149oC). Typical applications include sliding or linear bearings as well as many wear and friction applications listed above.
  
  
• Unlubricated Sealing & Wear in Vacuum or Dry Environments: SP-3 has 15% molybdenum disulfide by weight, added to the base resin. SP-3 provides maximum wear and friction resistance in vacuum and other moisture-free environments where graphite actually becomes abrasive. Typical applications include seals, bushings, bearings, gears, and other wear surfaces in outer space, ultra-high vacuum or dry gas applications. For a less expensive alterrnative to Vespel, see also Duratron.

For a less expensive alterrnative to Vespel, see also Duratron

Vespel® is a registered trademark of E. I. Dupont.

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