Polyamide-Imide (Torlon®) Machining and Processing
At Plastic Machining Inc., we specialize in the precision machining and processing of Polyamide-Imide (PAI), commonly known by the trade name Torlon®. Whether you need custom-designed parts or machining to exact specifications, we offer expertise and quality assurance in a completely controlled environment. We maintain comprehensive records of our products and ensure excellence in every part we produce.
Polyamide-Imide (Torlon®) is a high-performance thermoplastic known for its exceptional mechanical properties, such as strength, wear resistance, and thermal stability. It is widely used in demanding applications due to its ability to withstand harsh conditions, making it ideal for industries requiring high precision and durability.
For an affordable quote on your custom polyamide-imide parts, please e-mail us, call us at 888-761-4262, or use our contact form.
Material Description
Torlon® is a polyamide-imide (PAI).  It is called amide-imide because the polymer chain comprises amide linkages alternative with imide linkages.  The combination of aromatic groups and imide linkages are responsible for the polymer’s exceptional thermal stability.  The amide groups impart flexibility and elongation, which result in an engineering plastic with exceptional toughness.  Torlon® is the highest performing melt processable plastic.
Torlon® has superior resistance to elevated temperatures.  It is capable of performing under severe stress conditions at continuous temperatures to 500°F (260°C).  Parts machined from Torlon® provide greater compressive strength and higher impact resistance than most advanced engineering plastics.  Torlon® has an extremely low coefficient of linear thermal expansion and high creep resistance, which provides dimensional stability over its entire use range.  Torlon® is an amorphous material with a glass transition temperature of 537°F (280°C).
Grades of Torlon®
Torlon® 4203 extruded PAI offers excellent compressive strength and the highest elongation of the Torlon® grades.  Torlon® 4203 also provides electrical insulation and exceptional impact strength.  Extruded Torlon® 4203 is typically only available in thin sheets and small diameter rods.  This grade is commonly used for electrical connectors and insulators due to its high dielectric strength.
Torlon® 4301 extruded PAI is primarily used for wear and friction parts.  Torlon® 4301 has a very low expansion rate, low coefficient of friction, and exhibits little or no slip-stick in use.  Torlon® 4301 has a flexural modulus of 1,000,000 PSI, which is higher than most other advanced engineering plastics.  This grade excels in severe service wear applications such as non-lubricated bearings, seals, bearing cages, and reciprocating compressor parts.
Torlon® 4503 compression molded PAI is the same formulation as 4203, but has been made into stock shapes using a different manufacturing process.  The resulting material is similar to 4203, but has slightly different mechanical properties.  Compression-molded Torlon® 4503 is typically available only in larger diameter rods in short lengths, thicker sheets, and large tubes in short length.
Torlon® 5530 is a 30% glass reinforced compression molded PAI.  Torlon® 5530 is ideal for higher load structural or electronic applications. Torlon® 5530 is similar in composition to Torlon® 5030 PAI (injection molded).  This grade is selected for larger shapes and when the greatest degree of dimensional control is required.  Applications include burn-in sockets, gears, valve plates, impellers, rotors, terminal strips, and insulators.
Some of the Polyamide-imide parts we machine are:
- Back-up Rings
- Balls
- Blocks
- Bushings
- Cams
- Caps
- Guides
- Medical Parts
- Nozzles
- Pads
- Parts
- Plugs
- Rings
- Rods
- Rollers
- Seals
- Semiconductor Parts
- Sheaves
- Spacers
- Supports
- Valve Seats
- Washers
- Wear Pads
Torlon® is a registered trademark of Solvay Advanced Polymers L.L.C.