What is Nylon?

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Nylon is a versatile synthetic plastic fiber used in everything from stockings to toothbrush bristles to industrial wear components. Introduced as an alternative to silk in the 1930s, the plastic is a long, heavy chain of repeating polymer patterns—including diamine acid and dicarboxylic acid—known for its easy combination with other materials. Depending on which material […]

What is FR4 Material?

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FR4 is a multipurpose glass epoxy laminate that features flame-retardant properties, as indicated by the letters “FR” in its name. It is often the substrate material of choice for electrical insulation, recognizable by its signature green color. The material’s low coefficient of thermal expansion allows it to resist contraction and expansion under exposure to fluctuating […]

How to use a Technical Data Sheet.

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COMPOSITE MATERIAL TECHNICAL DATA SHEETS – WHAT THEY ARE, WHAT THEY AREN’T & HOW TO USE THEM One of the most frequent request we get is to provide a Technical Data Sheet (TDS) for a given material. But do you know what you are getting, and how to use it? First – a list of […]

Material Temperature Ratings- What do they Mean?

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Material data sheets usually list several temperature values – what do they mean, and how do you use them to help select the best material for your application? These values are different for thermoplastics (defined as materials which can be remelted) and thermosets (materials which are crosslinked and therefore cannot be remelted). Today, we deal […]

Sourcing Solutions for Composite Materials

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You have been tasked with finding new sources for non-metallic components – where to go? There is always a web search, but that will only get you a list prioritized by how well each company can work the search algorithm. Are they qualified to produce my parts? Can they answer my questions? Will they offer […]

Positive Environmental Impacts of Plastic

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Materials touted as “all natural alternatives” to plastic were often actually replaced by plastic decades ago because it was better for the environment. Plastics have been saving the planet since long before there was Earth Day, an annual event supporting environmental conservation.  Despite the massive amount of single use plastic waste that irresponsibly enters our […]

Nylon or Acetal- How to choose

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Two of the most widely used engineering thermoplastics are nylon (polyamide, “PA”) and acetal (polyoxymethylene, “POM”).  The choice between the two can be difficult since their basic physical properties are similar. (FUN FACT –“Nylon” was once DuPont’s trade name for PA, but they didn’t protect it and it became the generic description!) For our purpose […]

You’re in the Right Place

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Here at WS Hampshire, customization and problem solving are a way of life.  We do a little of everything with applications including wear parts in steel mills, insulation for the lighting industry, sheaves and wear pads in construction equipment and fire trucks, thermal insulation, structural fiberglass, and custom composite components for almost any aspect of industry.  Our […]

What Are Non-Metallic Materials

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A GUIDE TO CHOOSING NON-METALLIC MATERIALS When machining a new component, there are a number of reasons a manufacturer may choose to use non-metallic materials rather than metallic ones. These materials are lightweight, cost-effective, corrosion-resistant, and they hold up well against harsh chemicals. They are also non-conductive, making them a popular choice in the electrical […]

What Is Fiber-Reinforced Polymer?

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WHAT IS FIBER-REINFORCED POLYMER? Fiber-reinforced polymer is a popular composite material used in a variety of industries, including aerospace, construction, automotive, defense, and more. A polymer matrix, such as epoxy or vinyl ester, is blended with materials designed to strengthen the polymer, including basalt, carbon, or glass. Each FRP has its advantages and unique applications. COMPONENTS […]