Isoplast – When to Use it Within a Plastic Fastener

Isoplast ® is a type of polyurethane chemically resistant resin with extremely high tensile strength, produced by the plastics injection molding process with 40% glass-filled thermoplastic polyurethane. Isoplast plastic combines the dimensional rigidity and toughness of shapeless resins with the chemical resistance of crystalline materials.

Isoplast® is a registered trade name of Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc. and originally developed by Dow Chemical.

What are the highlights of Isoplast® fasteners?

Ultimate tensile strength of 27,000 psi – higher than glass-reinforced PEEK!
Tensile modulus of up to 1,700,000 psi
Impact resistant, with Izod impact rating of 8 foot-pounds/inch at -40°F – which compares very favorably to 3 foot-pounds/inch for nylon 6/6.
Chemical/ corrosion resistance
Resists water absorption, retaining just 0.19% weight after a 24-hour exposure at 73° (23° C)
May be used as an insulator, as dielectric strength is just 500 V per millimeter.
Excellent load-bearing capabilities

In which applications can you use Isoplast® within plastic fasteners?

Isoplast® is ideal for applications needing an impact resistance-based polymer. It is available in impact modified, clear, and glass-filled grades. They are used in any industry where a non-conductive fastener is required, or in one where strength / abuse resistance is required.
Within fasteners, it is used most within head screws and flange nuts, but is also available in a wide variety of fasteners such as threaded rod, spacers, nuts, plugs, machine screws, and washers.
Industries that rely on Isoplast® within a plastic fastener
Initially developed for the medical device industry, Isoplast® is an excellent choice because of its chemical and corrosion resistance and high tensile strength. Additionally, Isoplast® has become a main standard within the military and stealth technologies. Within civilian armaments, it is used as the entire handgun frame in models such as the Ruger 95.
Isoplast® is heavily used in corrosive plant environments such as chemical and desalination plants. In those instances, Isoplast replaces threads machined directly into the composite rods, which expose glass fibers to corrosion.

As a metal replacement within consumer goods, Isoplast® is used as a lighter-weight metal replacement within lawn mower decks, and anywhere that fiberglass-reinforced plastic is needed, such as industrial wireless communications, wireless antenna networks, composite products, and fiberglass grating.

Multiple Grades Available

Isoplast® is available in multiple resins: Isoplast 101, Isoplast 202, and Isoplast 301. Isoplast 101: Its outstanding properties include excellent chemical resistance, low moisture sensitivity, toughness, and dimensional stability.

Isoplast 202 is an opaque Isoplast form. It performs with superior impact and chemical resistance plus extraordinary mechanical properties. It is a highly dimensionally stable, extremely tough, chemical, and temperature-resistant material with good abrasion and lubricity. Isoplast 202 can be used for any mechanical application that has significant machining but requires close tolerances. It can outwear many metals and be durable and tough in highly corrosive environments. Finally, it can withstand chemicals with a PH range from 2 to 14.

Isoplast 301 is a clear grade of Isoplast. It combines excellent transparency (almost 90% light transmission) with a broad range of chemical resistance and outstanding practical toughness.

Summary

When choosing components and fasteners for manufacturing and production, it’s important to consider the application, the environment of the finished products, and the characteristics of the materials available. Plastics, and especially some of the advanced composite materials, make a great choice for many applications and offer exceptional strength and resistance to wear.

Isoplast is a choice within a wide variety of plastic fasteners, but it’s not used in every application. If you have any questions about the properties of nylon plastic fasteners, or its use within your application, please do not hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help!