Page 265 - Engineering Plastics Handbook

Thermoplastic Polyimide (TPI) 227

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electric motors, injection-molded Aurum components replaced metals
in extreme heat and high-PV applications for longer component life,
reduced weight, and higher performance levels.
In automotive and off-highway vehicle applications, Aurum ® is
increasingly specified by designers for its

1. Excellent tribological performance, high strength, and impact resist-
ance at temperatures to 455°F (235°C)
2. Outstanding creep resistance
3. Low coefficient of friction
4. High PV capability
5. Resistance to chemicals and automotive fluids
6. Sealing (leakage control) capability
7. Low coefficient of thermal expansion
8. Injection moldability for complicated part design

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The outstanding properties mentioned above have enabled Aurum to
be used in many varieties of automotive parts. The following are some
examples of the applications.
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Automotive transmission and torque converter parts. Aurum thrust washers
can replace metal washers and needle thrust bearings with greater pack-
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aging space and cost reduction. The transmission Aurum JCL3030 thrust
washer for Ford F series superduty pickup trucks is in the torque converter
where previously only thermosets and metals had been utilized (Fig. 10.4).
The reduced thickness has made possible critical packaging space for more

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Figure 10.4 Aurum thrust washers.