Composite Materials for Heavy and Process Industries

Strong, tough, durable material options.

Norplex-Micarta uses various resin and substrate combinations that allow thermal and mechanical performance to be tailored to specific heavy and process industry applications. Cloth reinforcement provides high strength without the tool wear produced by fiberglass or metal.

And unlike most thermoplastics, thermoset resins provide superior thermal resistance, enabling them to withstand high temperatures created by cutting tools without breaking down, burning, or gumming up tool-cutting surfaces. Norplex-Micarta’s products have electrical insulation, thermal insulation, and thermal resistance properties, making them ideal for various applications including industrial gaskets and high temperature gaskets.

Compared to metal options, thermosets cost less and provide wear resistance, electrical insulation, and thermal insulation not offered by metal materials. They can also increase machining speeds, thereby boosting the productivity for fabricators of these product lines.

Norplex-Micarta materials come in variations ranging from thin gauges to sheets 12 inches thick. Some types can be punched using cold punching dies, while others can be machined with normal metalworking tools. Applications include bearings, high temperature gaskets, industrial gaskets, washer/bolt/flange insulation components, cryogenic insulation components, and other specialty components.

Thermoset composites have unique benefits such as: self-lubricated, shock resistant, easily fabricated, chemical resistance, and dimensional stability.