Expanded Polymers
Our expanded polymer solutions are widely used in advanced filtration systems, particularly in the semiconductor, medical, gas, and oil industries.
Our Certifications and Organizations
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About PolyGrid®
PolyGrid® precision-expanded polymers from Dexmet are used in ultra-pure filters, most commonly in the semiconductor industry where resistance to high temperatures and caustic chemicals is essential. Other uses include the medical, gas, oil and pharmaceutical industries. However, the flexibility of our expanded plastics allows PolyGrid® to be used in many other applications. Dexmet PolyGrid® is available in most polymers or we can work with your proprietary materials. Dexmet meets Clean Room specifications to Class 10,000.
Plastics regularly produced include:
- Fluoroplastics: PTFE, PFA and ECTFE
- Polyesters (Thermoplastic): PET, PETP, PBTP
- Polysulfones
- Polyvinyls
- High Temp Plastics: PTFE (PFOA-free), PEEK, Nylons:
A range of standard diamond mesh sizes from .020” to 1.2” is available. The number of openings per square inch can vary from 25 to as many as 11,000, with an open area range from 10% to 90%. The variable open area facilitates lamination with a variety of other materials including those which expand, contract and flex. Designing a precision expanded plastic material with unique characteristics is our specialty. Dexmet’s extensive manufacturing resources can accommodate many variations for plastic materials in a range of finished thicknesses. - PFOA-Free Material:
Dexmet Corporation introduces PFOA-Free PolyGrid® Expanded Fluoropolymers. PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid), is widely used as a polymerization surfactant in making fluoropolymers including PTFE, PFA and FEP. Dexmet provides PolyGrid® without this harmful additive for medical, filtration and food processing applications that require a PFOA-free expanded material.
PolyGrid's® flexibility and its unique properties allow our expanded polymers to be used in a number of applications.
Configurations and Specifications
Dexmet precision expanded plastics offer superior performance and material savings for a range of materials and applications.
Similar to a Class 10,000 Clean Room
Dexmet utilizes a Similar to a Class 10,000 Clean Room for manufacturing expanded polymers to reduce the amount of contaminants. Many Flouropolymers, like PTFE, FEP and PFAs, build up static electricity on the surface of the material which attracts contaminant. By expanding, stabilizing and packaging these polymers within in the clean room environment, minimizes the prescence of FOB being introduced into the end product.
Processing & Value Added Services
Dexmet’s process variations can meet your requirements for open-area polymer qualities, including thickness, strength, and ease of material handling. The samples below demonstrate the interesting versatility of our expanded plastics. Please be sure to note the availability of Dexmet’s specialized manufacturing features.
Stabilization Process - P/N Reference "ST"
Dexmet has developed a stabilization process that provides dimensional stability after the expansion process. Expanded polymers, especially flouropolymers, have a tendency to resort back to their original form after expansion because of their elastic properties. The stabilization process is a procedure that uses heat to remove the plasticity of the polymer and remove any stresses brought about by the expansion process.
Flattened Product - P/N Reference "F"
The flattening process reduces material thickness back down to the original thickness of the raw material and creates a smoother mesh surface that’s similar to perforated metal. Pocket depth is also reduced or eliminated. In some cases, the material can be flattened, or "reduced", below the original raw material thickness which can slightly improve the strength of the material. Please consult the company for further information on flattening.
Distex Brick Process - P/N Reference "DB"
Pulling the mesh after expanding can result in several desirable features. Pulling changes the shape of the opening. It increases the overall thickness in most configurations, and can increase the stiffness or tensile strength. Distex Brick material has a more symmetrical opening for conductivity in the LWD & SWD directions and also provides a more geometric shape with deeper pockets, excellent for accepting more filler or coating.
Double Distex Brick - P/N Reference "DDB"
Double pulling of the material changes the shape, so that the long way of the opening runs with the coil. Double pulling can also be used to change the symmetry of the electrical conductivity.
Die Cut/EDM Cut Parts
Customers frequently turn to us to provide a finished piece, blanked to specification. Dexmet blanks parts from MicroGrid® materials for some of the most critical applications, and we are always prepared to discuss your needs.
Packaging & Delivery Systems
Whether our unique, recyclable blue spools; special splicing; weight and outer-diameter criteria; or just-in-time delivery is called for, we’ll work with you to ensure that your MicroGrid® arrives when, where and how you want it.
Other Value-Added Services
Dexmet engineers are always ready to assist you with your unique product development or process integration issues.
We can also help with your overseas requirements, from crating to customs and freight forwarding. Let us assist with your MicroGrid® product.