MATERIAL MATTERS

The durability of a product highly depends on the quality of materials used. To choose the right substances, manufacturers evaluate the conditions that are expected to affect the products throughout their use. Identification of the internal and external factors helps us determine the properties of the materials required for a particular product.   During the use, vehicles and other systems are subject to a wide range of natural factors that require them to withstand friction, tensile and bending forces as well as moisture, heat and other correlating agents.   To achieve the utmost quality, Aclips produces parts using a unique formula and tested material composition. 

METAL FASTENING ELEMENTS

Aclips produces its metal fasteners using specially stamped steel. This type of metal is produced by the coalescence of iron and carbon, where only low contents of manganese, silicon, sulfur and phosphorus impurities can be found.   In the automotive industry, this metal has to be both strong and flexible. Steel that contains more carbon becomes particularly durable, but fragile, preventing it from being machined. If, on the other hand, the amount of carbon is relatively low, the substance loses its solidity. The steel strength limit is defined by tensile testing to determine the maximum force at which the metal retains its firmness. To maintain the right qualities we make sure to select the optimal iron and carbon ratio.   Another challenge related to steel is high reactivity between iron and oxygen: iron reacts to oxygen and oxidizes resulting in rust. To prevent the oxidation process we galvanize our steel products. Galvanization is the process of metal coating wit another metal that does not react with oxygen i.e. does not rust.  

AUTO BODY CLIPS

Auto body clips are made of specially prepared polymeric thermoplastics that have a strong structure and are resistant to environmental impacts. The additional Enflex component (thermoplastic vulcanizer) adds extra product flexibility. Depending on the type of use and the mounting location of the parts, the following materials are used to manufacture auto body clips: Polyamide (PA). One of the most common plastics in mechanical engineering, widely used for its hardness. PA is easy to be mechanically processed and consists of monomer chains linked by a peptide bond (N-H-C=O).    Polypropylene (PP). One of the lightest thermoplastic polymer, resistant to chemical impacts, such as acids, alkalis and corrosion. PP does not absorb any moisture and is easy to work on.  Polyoxymethylene (POM). Engineering plastic with high resistance to mechanical impacts and chemical reagents. Objects made of POM retain original dimensions as POM is known for low moisture absorption.  Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). A polymer that is classified under the group of technical thermoplastics. ABS properties can be adjusted by changing the mass-ratio between the components. Increasing the amount of butadiene in the substance will result in a harder product structure.   Polycarbonate (PC). A group of thermoplastics identified by carbonate groups (−O−(C=O)−O−) in its polymeric structure. PC is a durable material, but easy to scratch. For this reason, polycarbonate is mostly used in components for interior as it requires coating to be used for exterior.

HOSE CONNECTORS

Hose connectors must be made so as to withstand humid environment and high fluid pressure on their walls. For these two reasons, it is essential to select materials that are stiff and resistant to moisture.  Aclips uses PA66, a class of polyamide where the number 66 describes the type and the number of chains in its structure. Polyamide is known for its stiffness, abrasion, heat resistance, and hardness properties. To make hose menders structure even harder as well as to increase the resistance against solvents and hot water, Aclips adds glass fibre. The product becomes super resistant to high temperatures and various chemical compounds.

BUSHINGS

Bushings consist of extremely flexible and durable materials to cushion the demanding areas. Usually, these soft pads function as an intermediary between two metal surfaces and need to absorb bumps and vibrations.  To meet the requirements to this product, Aclips uses a formula that includes polyamide 66 (PA66), paint and 10 per cent of Enflex component.  PA66. A class of polyamide where the number 66 describes the type and number of chains in its structure. Polyamide is known for its stiffness, abrasion, heat resistance and hardness properties.   Enflex. A thermoplastic vulcanizer that adds extra flexibility to the product. The pre-dried component reduces the levels of shrinkage and anisotropy (change in the properties of the material in flow and cross-flow direction), increases the weld line strength, and improves surface appearance.

CV BOOTS - PEDALS

Protective rubbers designed to soften friction in permanent mechanisms must be robust enough to withstand tensile strength. Aclips uses Enflex vacuum-packed material that offers exceptional flexibility to achieve optimum product composition.  

FIR TREE MOUNT CABLE TIES

Like any other type of fastening elements, cable ties have to be stiff and hold well in the location where it is affixed. Aclips produces cable ties that are made of polyamide 66 (PA66), paint and 15 per cent of Enflex component.   PA66. A class of polyamide where the number 66 describes the type and the number of chains in its structure. Polyamide is known for its stiffness, abrasion, heat resistance, and hardness properties.   Enflex. A thermoplastic vulcanizer that adds extra flexibility to the product. The pre-dried component reduces the levels of shrinkage and anisotropy (change in the properties of the material in flow and cross-flow direction), increases the weld line strength, and improves surface appearance.