Victrex APTIV™ Films New Technical Enhancements Lead to Increased Market Penetration

These technical advances mean that APTIV film can now be easily subjected to a range of secondary process operations including: thermoforming into shaped parts with thin walls; lamination to other polymers and metals, with and without adhesives; application of specialized coatings; die cutting and stamping, and laser marking, laser ablation and machining, that has increased its penetration into a broad range of market sectors.

The introduction of the thin film, below 25 micron, has proved to be popular as many competitive high-performance films are not available in this thin form factor. This level of flexibility and versatility has seen APTIV film successfully deployed in a diverse range of market applications ranging from: composite film layers; electrical and magnet wire insulation, and high performance gaskets to flexible film heaters, capacitors, pressure sensors, and specialty packaging.

“The market response to this comprehensive range of versatile APTIV film products has exceeded our expectations,” said John Getz, Commercial Leader Film, Victrex. “We have been pleasantly surprised, not only by the sheer volume of interest – we’ve been working alongside more than 500 OEMs and processors developing samples – but by the diverse range of high performance applications, markets and locations that we have received requests from. Apart from our traditional customer base in Western Europe and the USA, we’ve had strong interest from new customers in Brazil, Hungary, Russia and as far away as Australia and New Zealand. We have been working in industry sectors ranging from aerospace and acoustics through to medical and dental appliance manufacturing that we could never have anticipated just a year ago.”

One of the key technical advances that APTIV film has driven is advances in thermoforming. As performance demands for higher temperatures and increased performance push designers further, Victrex has reported an increased demand for VICTREX PEEK polymer in film format to be used in thermoforming applications ranging from complex gaskets for semiconductor wafer reticule pods, electronic chip package enclosures and audio speaker diaphragms, to aerospace panels and medical trays. Achieving the specific geometries for these products or parts is vital and Victrex offers assistance in the thermoforming process from the early development stages to ensure customers development reliable, durable and cost-effective products that meet the industry standards and requirements.

APTIV film shares the long list of outstanding inherent properties of VICTREX PEEK polymer, making it one of the most versatile and high performing films available. The combination of properties include: high temperature performance; excellent chemical wear and hydrolysis resistance; superior mechanical properties; excellent barrier (permeation) and electrical properties; exceptional radiation resistance; high purity; halogen free, RoHs and FDA compliance; good flammability without the use of flame retardants, low toxicity of combustion gases; and, due to the thermoplastic nature of VICTREX PEEK polymer, APTIV film provides outstanding downstream conversion flexibility and is recyclable.

Victrex produces APTIV film in one of the most technologically advanced film extrusion facilities in the world. Dedicated to the production of APTIV film, and part of Victrex’s fully integrated supply chain for VICTREX PEEK polymer, Victrex’s manufacturing capabilities guarantee material quality, supply, consistency and high performance.

“Victrex is very pleased that last year’s introduction of APTIV films has enabled our customers to develop innovative materials solutions. Our APTIV film team continues to stay focused and passionate about its deep expertise in polyetheretherketones, and we continue to expand our product offering through the development of unique polymers, proprietary blends, and high performance compounds,” said Blair Souder, Commercial Director, Victrex plc.