thyssenkrupp Engineered Plastics
Vespel Grades
In the world of high performance materials and engineering plastics few products rival the performance and quality of DuPont™ Vespel® stock shapes. The unique combination of characteristics make DuPont™ Vespel® an ideal choice for applications from deep downhole drilling for oil and gas operations to aerospace and aircraft applications. Anywhere that parts will be exposed to extremely broad temperature and pressure ranges. In addition, DuPont™ Vespel® can be machined to exceptionally tight tolerances, making it an excellent choice for small, highly engineered precision components.
DuPont™ Vespel® is currently only available through our sales team and cannot be purchased via our online store, but a quote can be saved via the cart that includes Vespel® materials. Contact us to request a quote, or for any other inquiries.
DuPont™ Vespel® Industry Solutions
DuPont™ Vespel® solves aerospace challenges like weight reduction by replacing heavier metal materials and offering improved durability and reliability in extreme temperature fluctuations and radiation conditions.
DuPont™ Vespel® offers automotive material solutions that increase efficiency, safety, friction resistance, and lightweighting of automotive parts that make engines run smoothly and reliably.
DuPont™ Vespel® helps advance semiconductor and electronics fabrication by performing in high temperatures, standing up to aggressive chemicals, improving safety, and reducing contamination and maintenance needs with electrical components.
DuPont™ Vespel® high-performance parts maximize productivity, efficiency, and sustainability to drive industrial manufacturing forward by cutting equipment replacement costs and maintenance downtime.
Vespel® SP-1
Vespel® SP-1 is the base unfilled polyimide grade and is often considered the benchmark material within the Vespel® family. It offers the highest purity, highest elongation, lowest thermal conductivity, and best electrical insulation properties of all Vespel® grades. SP-1 maintains excellent mechanical properties across an extremely broad temperature range, from cryogenic conditions to 300°C (570°F).
Key Characteristics
- Unfilled polyimide formulation
- High purity Vespel® grade
- Excellent electrical insulation properties
- Lowest thermal conductivity within the SP family
- High elongation, strength, and toughness
- Excellent dimensional stability
- Low outgassing
- Excellent radiation resistance
- High oxidative stability
Common Applications
- Electrical insulators
- Semiconductor chamber components
- Wafer clamping rings
- Valve seats
- Gaskets
- Balls
- Poppets
- Thermal isolators
- Precision machined aerospace components
Why Engineers Choose SP-1
SP-1 is typically selected when electrical insulation, purity, dimensional stability, and broad temperature performance are more important than friction and wear optimization.
Shapes Offered
Vespel® SP-3
Vespel® SP-3 contains molybdenum disulfide lubricant filler and was developed specifically for friction and wear applications operating in vacuum environments and other non-lubricated conditions. It exhibits excellent wear resistance and extremely low outgassing, making it particularly valuable in aerospace and space-related systems.
Key Characteristics
- Molybdenum disulfide filled
- Optimized for vacuum service
- Excellent dry-running performance
- Extremely low outgassing
- Exceptional wear resistance
- Performs without external lubrication
- Stable across wide temperature ranges
Common Applications
- Aerospace mechanisms
- Satellite components
- Vacuum system bearings
- Bushings
- Piston rings
- Dynamic seals
- Gears
- Wear surfaces
Why Engineers Choose SP-3
SP-3 is often the preferred Vespel® grade for vacuum environments where conventional lubricants cannot be used.
Shapes Offered
Vespel® SP-21
Vespel® SP-21 contains 15% graphite and is one of the most widely specified wear grades in the Vespel® family. It combines excellent mechanical strength with low friction characteristics and outstanding wear performance in both lubricated and non-lubricated applications.
Key Characteristics
- 15% graphite filled
- Low coefficient of friction
- Excellent wear resistance
- High mechanical strength
- Great impact resistance
- Good dimensional stability
- Excellent creep resistance
- Broad operating temperature range
Common Applications
- Thrust washers
- Bearings
- Bushings
- Wear rings
- Compressor components
- Seal rings
- Pump wear components
Why Engineers Choose SP-21
SP-21 is frequently selected as the general-purpose bearing and wear grade within the Vespel® product family.
Vespel® SP-22
Vespel® SP-22 contains a higher graphite loading than SP-21 and was engineered specifically for applications where dimensional stability and minimal thermal expansion are critical.
Key Characteristics
- Enhanced graphite loading
- Extremely low thermal expansion
- Superior dimensional stability
- Excellent wear resistance
- Reduced thermal growth
- Reliable performance under thermal cycling
Common Applications
- Precision bearings
- Semiconductor equipment
- Aerospace mechanisms
- High-temperature wear components
- Tight-tolerance assemblies
Why Engineers Choose SP-22
SP-22 is often selected when minimizing thermal growth is more important than maximizing mechanical strength.
Vespel® SP-211
Vespel® SP-211 combines graphite and PTFE fillers to achieve significantly lower friction than SP-21, particularly in dry-running environments. It provides excellent wear resistance while reducing stick-slip behavior and startup friction.
Key Characteristics
- Graphite and PTFE filled
- Lower friction than SP-21
- Excellent dry-running performance
- Outstanding wear resistance
- Reduced startup friction
- Excellent creep resistance
Common Applications
- Dry-running bearings
- Bushings
- Wear pads
- Sliding surfaces
- Seal rings
- Compressor components
Why Engineers Choose SP-211
SP-211 is commonly chosen when friction reduction is the primary design objective.
Vespel® SP-202
Vespel® SP-202 is an electrically conductive polyimide grade developed for semiconductor and glass-handling applications where electrostatic discharge must be controlled.
Key Characteristics
- Electrically conductive
- Antistatic properties
- Excellent thermal stability
- Good wear resistance
- Vacuum compatible
- Excellent machinability
Common Applications
- Wafer handling pads
- Wafer transfer systems
- Glass handling pads
- Glass handling stops
- Semiconductor tooling
- Sputtering equipment
- CVD chamber components
Why Engineers Choose SP-202
SP-202 is frequently selected when static control and contamination reduction are critical process requirements.
Shapes Offered
Vespel® SCP-5000
SCP-5000 represents the next generation of DuPont™ Vespel® polyimides. It provides improved thermal oxidative stability, chemical resistance, plasma resistance, and mechanical property retention compared to traditional SP grades.
Key Characteristics
- Ultra-high purity
- Improved thermal stability
- Improved plasma resistance
- Enhanced chemical resistance
- High stiffness
- Excellent dimensional stability
- Superior long-term property retention
Common Applications
- Semiconductor processing equipment
- Aircraft engine components
- Automotive systems
- High-temperature structural components
Why Engineers Choose SCP-5000
SCP-5000 is typically selected when engineers need performance beyond the capabilities of traditional SP-1.
Shapes Offered
Vespel® SCP-5009
SCP-5009 was developed specifically for demanding sealing and wear applications operating under high loads, elevated temperatures, and aggressive service conditions.
Key Characteristics
- Excellent sealing performance
- Outstanding wear resistance
- High compressive strength
- Low creep
- Low thermal expansion
- Excellent dimensional stability
Common Applications
- Seal rings
- Compressor seals
- Pump seals
- Oil & gas equipment
- Aerospace sealing systems
- High-pressure sealing components
Why Engineers Choose SCP-5009
SCP-5009 is one of the strongest candidates within the Vespel® family for severe sealing environments.
Shapes Offered
Vespel® SCP-5050
SCP-5050 was engineered for demanding wear applications where engineers traditionally relied on metals or graphite-based materials. Its thermal expansion closely matches steel, making it particularly useful in metal assemblies.
Key Characteristics
- High-temperature wear resistance
- Steel-like thermal expansion
- Improved dimensional compatibility with metals
- Excellent friction and wear performance
- Increased operating efficiency
- Reduced maintenance requirements
Common Applications
- Aerospace systems
- Industrial wear components
- Bearings
- Bushings
- Compressor components
- Metal replacement applications
Why Engineers Choose SCP-5050
SCP-5050 is often selected when replacing metal wear components while maintaining dimensional compatibility.
Shapes Offered
Vespel® SCP-50094
SCP-50094 is one of the highest-performance materials within the Vespel® SCP family and was developed for environments requiring maximum dimensional stability, wear resistance, and thermal oxidative performance.
Key Characteristics
- Exceptional thermal oxidative stability
- Excellent wear resistance
- High stiffness
- Outstanding dimensional stability
- Lowest coefficient of thermal expansion in the SCP family
- Excellent long-term performance at elevated temperatures
Common Applications
- Semiconductor processing equipment
- Aircraft engine systems
- Precision aerospace components
- High-temperature structural parts
Why Engineers Choose SCP-50094
SCP-50094 is typically chosen for the most demanding thermal and dimensional stability requirements.
Shapes Offered
Vespel® CR-6100
Vespel® CR-6100 is a carbon-fiber reinforced PFA composite designed to deliver exceptional chemical resistance, creep resistance, and wear performance in harsh industrial environments.
Key Characteristics
- Carbon-fiber reinforced PFA
- Excellent chemical resistance
- Outstanding creep resistance to 288°C (550°F)
- Low moisture absorption
- Excellent wear resistance
- Excellent machinability
- Low thermal expansion
Common Applications
- Valve plates
- Valve seats
- Pump components
- Compressor components
- Mechanical seals
- Bearings
- Bushings
- Wear strips
- Chemical processing equipment
- Petroleum processing equipment
Why Engineers Choose CR-6100
CR-6100 is often selected when a combination of aggressive chemical resistance and long-term dimensional stability is required.
Shapes Offered
DuPont™ Vespel® Brochures
Benefits of DuPont™ Vespel® in Aerospace
The aerospace and space industries are rapidly advancing and new engineering challenges demand materials that can withstand the extreme temperatures, high stress, and harsh environmental conditions aircrafts and spacecrafts are exposed to. DuPont™ Vespel®, a high-performance polyimide, stands out as a material that meets these rigorous requirements
Advancing Hydrogen Fuel Cells for a Sustainable Energy Future with DuPont™ Vespel®
As the world intensifies efforts to curb carbon emissions and shift towards renewable energy, hydrogen fuel cells have emerged as a promising solution. However, harnessing hydrogen's potential comes with unique challenges, including storage and transportation under extreme conditions. This article explores the pivotal role of DuPont™ Vespel®
FAQs
What is DuPont™ Vespel®?
Authentic DuPont™ Vespel® is made through a proprietary isostatic molding process which gives each type of DuPont™ Vespel® a unique combination of properties resulting in advanced material solutions that help engineers and designers solve complex issues. DuPont™ Vespel® can perform in temperatures from Cryogenic cold to extremely high temperatures. DuPont™ Vespel® is the outright leader when it comes to overall performance in the most extreme environments. The benefits of any engineered plastic will vary by application. In the case of bearing and wear applications, high temperature performance (above 400º F) may be absolutely necessary to the success of an application. DuPont™ Vespel® can deliver the highest PV values of any commercially available engineered plastic. As temperatures increases, parts made from DuPont™ Vespel® to perform and meet expectations. In fact, the toughness pared with DuPont's commitment to producing consistently high quality material is a major reason why aerospace engine manufacturers have specified DuPont™ Vespel® for many of their high wear applications for over 30 years.
Replace Metal Parts with DuPont™ Vespel®
DuPont™ Vespel® is popular as a replacement for metal parts. It is lightweight compared to metals and it is self-lubricating, eliminating the maintenance and downtime that use of metal parts requires. DuPont™ Vespel® machines easily to tight tolerances using the same equipment used to create many metal parts. DuPont™ Vespel® is also an excellent choice for seals and gaskets. It is often a replacement for metal to metal seals. Unlike other plastics, DuPont™ Vespel® can withstand high temperature compression and it has excellent creep resistance for long lasting seals in high pressure environments.
How Are DuPont™ Vespel® Shapes Manufactured?
DuPont utilizes a Proprietary Isostatic Molding Process to make most of the DuPont™ Vespel® shapes we offer. DuPont starts in-house manufacturing the polyimide resin they use. They do not buy resin for these materials on the open market. This allows DuPont to provide the strictest controls throughout every step of the manufacturing process. Through this process, DuPont can minimize batch to batch variance and ensure a direct source for the quality polyimide resin. The experience inside the manufacturing plant in Newark, DE is unmatched in the industry, they know what they are doing, and yes, DuPont ™ Vespel® is manufactured in the United States. The Technical Quality Control team enhances the ability to generate and meet the demanding Certification Requirement of the Aerospace customers, oil and gas and many other industries.
Thermoplastic with a High Melting Point and Low Friction
Most thermoplastics start to soften and, when they meet their glass transition temperature, they will fail and even melt, causing part failure. Standard plastic materials soften near the boiling point of water, 210°F. Other enhanced materials like PEEK and Torlon can do the job above that level, but then soften before they get to 500°F. The unique composition of the proprietary polyimide resin invented by DuPont and processed into DuPont™ Vespel® shapes allows increased performance without material breakdown or melting to over 750°F. It is also low friction, which is another benefit in highwear applications.
Selecting the Right Engineered Plastic for Your Application
Determining exactly which engineered plastic will best fit your application usually requires "real world” testing and, with the thousands of available materials, that can be daunting. The team at thyssenkrupp Engineered Plastics can make that process easier. At thyssenkrupp Engineered Plastics, we sell all major brands of engineered plastics and we have trained staff with real world plastics experience to assist you in material selection. Our experience with these materials helps shorten the development cycle and provide options. We will help you find not just any plastic, but that just-right engineered plastic that fits all your application needs. We will help you to look at cost of material vs. cost of part to find the best value and performance.
What is the Difference Between SP and SCP Grades?
The SP family represents traditional DuPont™ Vespel® polyimides optimized for wear, friction, insulation, and dimensional stability. The newer SCP family was developed to provide even greater thermal stability, chemical resistance, plasma resistance, and dimensional stability for the most demanding aerospace and semiconductor applications.
How Can You Be Sure it's Authentic DuPont™ Vespel®
There have been reported instances of unauthorized resellers machining DuPont™ Vespel® shapes into smaller diameter counterfeit rods from larger rod. The unauthorized resellers attempt to sell the product as Authentic DuPont™ Vespel® shapes to unsuspecting machine shops. They even go so far as to alter the original Certificate of Conformance (CoC) to reference the smaller diameter. These altered CoCs do not contain the correct lot number information intended to match product size and composition for traceability purposes. Unlike Authentic DuPont™ Vespel® these counterfeit altered rods do not meet ASTM D 6456-99, MIL-R-46198 and OEM Specifications. In fact, the characteristics of these counterfeit rods differ from rods made to the original size in the proprietary DuPont™ isostatic molding process. The best way to protect your company from liability is to only purchase Authentic Vespel® Shapes from an authorized distributor.
DuPont™, the DuPont Oval Logo, Vespel® are trademarks or registered trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates. Copyright © DuPont de Nemours Inc.
