Innovative Injection Molding for High-Performance Air Motor Vanes
At Pexco, we take pride in our ability to mold intricate, high-performance plastic components. Our engineering team continuously pushes the boundaries of materials and machinery to manufacture complex parts for demanding applications. One of our latest successes involves precision injection molding of vanes for air motors.
The Critical Role of Vanes in Air Motors
Air motors generate continuous rotary power using compressed air. Vanes play a crucial role in this process by sliding in and out of the rotor as air pressure changes. This movement creates an unbalanced force, causing the rotor to spin. The performance of the motor—especially its torque output—directly depends on the quality, durability, and material properties of these vanes.
Given the high levels of friction, pressure, and temperature these vanes endure, material selection was a critical challenge for this project.
Selecting the Right High-Performance Plastic
To maintain optimal performance, vanes must exhibit:
- High strength to withstand pressure forces
- Low creep to maintain dimensional stability
- Heat resistance to handle high operating temperatures
- Low friction wear to reduce degradation over time
- Chemical resistance to withstand exposure to water and organic compounds
Any material failure—such as deformation or excessive wear—compromises torque efficiency and overall motor performance. After extensive evaluation, we determined that only two high-performance plastics met these demanding requirements: PEEK and Torlon®. As experts in working with these advanced materials, we ensured that our injection molding process delivered precision-engineered vanes capable of withstanding the harsh conditions inside an air motor.
For more information on air motor vanes, please contact Rob Caldwell, Aerospace Market Manager at 385-543-8237 or [email protected].