Isostatic Moulding

For Large and Complex Shapes in PTFE

Isostatic moulding, originally developed for the manufacture of ceramics, can provide the solution to enable intricate and contoured shapes to be produced with little or no machining. We have the ability to produce high quality, large and complex shapes in PTFE which, to date; have been virtually impossible to produce other than by extensive machining and fabrication.
The Isostatic process is ideally suited for repetitive batch manufacture of PTFE components and both insert and outsert moulding to combine the corrosion resistance of the PTFE with the strength of metal.

There are two types of processes; dry bag and wet bag and both methods incorporate the cold compaction of PTFE at high pressure, followed by sintering at temperatures of around 400ºC (752ºF).

DRY BAG

This process is normally carried out using a mould in a hydraulic press.

Advantages

• Dramatic savings on material usage
• High Quality PTFE Grade A Type 1
• Repeatability
• High out-put compared with wet bag moulding and compression moulding
• More intricate shapes
• Cleaner process

WET BAG

The process involves a flexible elastomeric mould which is pressurised within a hydrostatic pressure chamber.

Advantages

• Large sizes
• Longer lengths with the same pressure throughout the billet
• Cost-effective tooling
  

TYPICAL ISOSTATIC PRODUCTS

Corrosion Industry

• Pipe & column liners (up to 600mm dia)
• Pipe fittings (tees, elbows & reducers
• Nozzles and dip pipes
• Valve liners (diaphragm)
• Bellows
• Pump liners (centrifugal, screw)
• Impellers, agitators and mixer paddles

Electrical Industry

• High voltage insulators

Medical & Semiconductor Industries

• Tanks & containers