Page 311 - Engineering Plastics Handbook

Polyamide-imide (PAI) 271

Figure 12.16 Electrical test sockets.

requirements. Polyamide-imide is utilized for semiconductor test sock-
ets. These protect delicate devices during robotic handling and insertion
into electrical test sockets (Fig. 12.16). Plus they maintain dimensional
stability throughout the test sequence while providing necessary elec-
trical isolation between the circuit pins.

Industrial

High-pressure hydraulic components. One industrial area where
polyamide imides are exploited is in precision-machined poppets, seats,
and spools in fluid power systems for agriculture and construction vehi-
cles and equipment. These polymer parts are replacing metal, which
tends to leak progressively over its service lifetime, because polyamide-
imides have superior sealing capability and can handle the high oper-
ating pressure of 5000 psi (34 MPa). In addition to extension of the
service life of the part, polyamide-imides enable significant system cost
savings and weight reduction [22].

Commercial Polyamide-imides
The leading global provider of polyamide-imide powders and com-
pounded resins is Solvay Advanced Polymers, LLC, with the resin under
the registered trademark Torlon [23]. The major commercial grades are
listed below.