what clear plastic to use?

[adamjt]

I need a clear plastic that can withstand 120 deg Celsius. It cannot turn yellow or fog when exposed to heat. It will be submersed in oil on one side and will need to withstand a at least 50 PSI.
I am going to be machining or molding it, whatever is easiest.
Does anyone have any suggestion on what clear (transparent) plastic to use?

 

[adamjt]

It needs to be clear, as the movement of the oil will need to be seen through it.

 

[patprimmer]

TPX.
Polysulphone.
Maybe aromatic nylon.
Maybe cast acrylic.
Glass.

Regards

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[Pud]

Hi Adamjt,

From the list suggested by Pat, I would pick out amorphous nylon - e.g. Grilon by EMS - used for transparent oil/water filter bowls for airline filters. (Nylon 12?)

Have a look on their website...

Rgds

Harry

 

[patprimmer]

The 120 deg C 50 psi has me guessing a bit.

That temp is getting marginal, without stress. 50 psi could mean anything re stress, depending on part design.

Also, I would need to do a major properties search to be sure.

Adamijt can sift through data himself.

Nylon 12 is not all that transparent, and is very marginal at those temps.

Cast acrylic is also very marginal, but very easy to get, cheap and easy to work.

Polycarbonate (Lexan) won't take the oil.

Polysulphone should do it real easy and TPX will also have some in reserve, but the price and availability?

Regards

eng-tips, by professional engineers for professional engineers
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[adamjt]

My original thoughts were PC but i agree that it won't take the oil. After looking at properties the only polymers that look like they will take that temp and pressure are PC and Polysulphone....looks like it may have to be polysulphone...thanks for the help.

 

[Demon3]

I agree with Pat. Polysulfone is a great choice. Polyethersulfone and polyphenylsulfone will work well too. I know that a rapid prototype made of polyphenylsulfone was made by Stratasys (Minesotta USA) and that survived as an oil filter in a car. That means it took hot oil and the pressure.