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INDUSTRY NEWS

Thermal management systems made from a recently introduced injection moulding–grade thermoplastic can weigh 50% less than metal-based parts.

Weighing much less than the metals that are typically used to make heat sinks and thermal management systems, thermally conductive injection moulding–grade thermoplastics are suited for use in medical imaging applications. Developed by Cool Polymers Inc. (Warwick, RI, USA), the CoolPoly materials are available in electrically conductive or insulative formulations.

Parts made from the thermoplastic can weigh 50% less than their aluminium counterparts, and the material provides engineers with a broad palette of design options, according to the company. The polymer will not amplify electromagnetic or radio-frequency interference or magnetic coupling.

Two grades are currently available. CoolPoly’s E-series grade is electrically conductive and provides inherent EMI and RFI absorption, while the D-series formulation is electrically insulative and produces no signal interference or magnetic coupling. Polymer specifications include 20 W/mK thermal conductivity, 0.1 cm²/sec thermal diffusivity, and 1.7 g/cm³ density.

Cool Polymers can supply compounds for injection moulding, off-the-shelf moulded parts, or parts moulded to customer specifications. Samples are available on request.

For more information, contact Cool Polymers Inc., 333 Strawberry Field Rd., Warwick, RI 02886, USA; phone: +1 888 8113787; fax: +1 401 7326119; e-mail: sales@coolpolymers.com; Internet: www.coolpolymers.com.