Norplex Micarta Tubing Technology

www.norplex-micarta.com About Norplex-Micarta Norplex-Micarta is the leading manufacturer of high performance thermoset composites. Norplex-Micartas vast product line serves power generation alternate energy ballistic protection construction electrical devices electronics heavy industrial militaryaerospace oil gas and transportation markets throughout Europe AsiaPacific and The Americas. Dedication to Quality Quality extends well beyond Norplex-Micarta products it is infused into every aspect of the company. A strategic investment in quality assurance is reflected in state-of-the-art machine control for treaters new tube grinding and winding machinery and material analysis and testing equipment. Norplex-Micarta is also well known for its comprehensive staff training in multiple process improvement methodologies exceptional on-time delivery and a commitment to the future of the industry. Computerized control systems monitor treating operations in real time reducing process variation through a quality database and a proprietary process control algorithm while driving variables toward their nominal targets. These quality processes lead to increased productivity improved inventory turns waste reduction and the elimination of unplanned downtime in production. Norplex-Micarta is committed to being the leader in high performance thermoset composites and has made several strategic investments to position itself at the forefront of the industry. These include a 10 million upgrade to its USA headquarters for increased capacity and improved quality as well as the addition of skilled resources in engineering operations sales marketing and customer service. Careful attention is paid to OD ID and wall thickness. Tubing Technology High Performance Thermoset Composites THERMOSET COMPOSITES Outside Diameter 0.156 to 58 Inside Diameter 0.094 to 48 Technology Leadership Norplex-Micarta is the leading global supplier of high performance thermoset composites to OEMs and fabricators. P

roviding thorough applications knowledge the highest quality and the most responsive customer support in the industry Norplex-Micarta supplies thermoset composites for the worlds most demanding applications. Standard Lengths 18 24 36 or 48 Tubing Grades Glass fabric grades utilize fine- to medium-weave glass reinforcement with epoxy phenolic melamine or silicone resin systems for applications requiring performance at high temperatures electrical and mechanical strength resistance to cryogenic temperatures arcing and combustion. These characteristics are frequently required in oil gas applications. All Norplex-Micarta tubing grades meet the most rigorous customer NEMA military and ASTM requirements. Norplex-Micarta tubing grades are available with paper cotton or glass fabric substrates. Phenolic paper grades are used in electrical heavy industry and general-purpose applications. Phenolic and epoxy cotton grades are available with fine- to medium-weave cotton reinforcement ideal for applications requiring mechanical strength and electrical insulation such as those in the militaryaerospace market. Some grades also include self-lubricating modifiers that reduce friction. Tube Manufacturing Process 1 Capabilities Norplex-Micarta tubing grades are available in a wide range of sizes and specifications and additional dimensional capabilities are constantly under development by the Norplex-Micarta tubing team. Material compositions include phenolic epoxy melamine or silicone resin systems combined with paper cotton or glass fabric substrates. Norplex-Micarta utilizes state-of-the-art equipment for each step in the manufacturing process from material preparation and treating to winding and finishing. First the substrate is processed through the resin compound. Then the impregnated material is semi-cured in a treater oven. Once the material is treated it is sent to the tube winding machines see photo 4 below. Finally the material is pulled centerless grounded or lathe turned

then trimmed and packaged as required. 3 2 5 4 Applications Norplex-Micarta serves many industries with high performance thermoset composites. In addition to militaryaerospace oil gas and heavy industry Norplex-Micarta supplies material to companies developing groundbreaking applications in such markets as medical device electrical device electronics assembly construction transportation and power generation. MilitaryAerospace Numerous standard and custom tubing products meet the performance and reliability requirements of military aircraft and commercial aerospace applications as well as military ground vehicles. These materials offer excellent thermal insulation mechanical strength structural support protection and durability. Oil Gas Fabric-reinforced materials provide thermal insulation and structural support for large-diameter transport systems thermal insulation for storage vessels and cathodic protection between dissimilar materials. In oil gas structures fabric-reinforced thermosets offer excellent thermal insulation in cryogenic ambient or elevated temperature applications. Additionally the materials offer a high degree of impact resistance and are impervious to moisture and corrosive chemicals over extended periods. Braking components provide high reliability against impact forces and extreme temperatures during installation and use. Heavy Industry Various resin and substrate combinations allow thermal and mechanical performance to be tailored to specific heavy industrial applications. Unlike many thermoplastics thermoset composites withstand high temperatures created by cutting tools without breaking down burning or adhering to tool-cutting surfaces. Compared to metal options thermosets often cost less and provide wear resistance and insulating features not offered by metal materials. Pipeline supports prevent thermal migration between the pipeline and support structure. 1 2 Substrate Roll Norplex-Micarta has the most stringent vendor qualification pro

cess in the thermoset laminate industry ensuring that our customers receive the highest quality and consistency from batch to batch. 3 Resin Metering Precision-aligned rollers apply and meter resin to the substrate with uniform consistency and fabric wet-out. The system guarantees that the resin will completely penetrate the substrate filling all voids. 4 TreaterRewinder A proprietary computer-controlled treating technology is used for the curing process. Both vertical illustrated above and horizontal treaters are available to fit customer process requirements. After treating tubing products are sent to the rewind system which ensures consistent tension throughout the process. 5 Tube Winder Pre-preg is wrapped around precision-ground mandrels with controlled temperatures and pressure to create a convolute-wound tube. Inside diameters range from 0.094 to 48 with wall thicknesses down to 0.031. The tube is then cured by baking in an oven. Wet Centerless Grinder Tubes are wet-ground to meet outside diameter and surface finish specifications. Custom applications for specialty products feature outside diameter tolerances as low as - 0.005. Thermoset composites are used to create highly wear-resistant parts and improve fabrication productivity.