Specialty polymers for firearms

Conventus Polymers LLC, a leading supplier of specialty polymers for firearms applications, showcases its new material solutions for the firearms industry at the 2020 SHOT Show® (Booth #52318), sponsored by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Jan. 21-24 in Las Vegas. Conventus also features new mold flow capabilities for molders and designers who develop plastic parts for a broad range of firearm applications including stocks, magazines, receivers, rails, and a variety of other parts.

 

Conventus differentiates itself from competing material suppliers with a strong focus on addressing challenging performance and aesthetics requirements such as high mechanical properties and cosmetics, while offering a range of unique formulations that utilize carbon fiber, long glass fiber, and other modification packages. Among the latest material introductions are injection moldable tungsten-filled compounds for high-density pistol applications that mimic the weight of metal. These grades allow for density adjustments up to 7, which may help reduce recoil in pistol frames.

 

Conventus also presents anew clear glass-filled polymer made of nylon for high- strength transparency. This material offers a range of advantages over other compounds because of high dimensional stability, high strength, and transparency. It would allow accessory manufacturers to offer parts that have the strength of traditional glass-filled nylon 66, but with transparency.

 

 

Polymers have grown in popularity in the firearms market. In addition to lightweighting, they offer reduced recoil, corrosion resistance, serviceability, cost benefits, and design freedom. To create solutions for firearm customers, Conventus Polymers utilizes its expertise in other high-performance markets such as downhole oil and gas, where temperatures and pressures can be very high. The company’s primary product categories are specialty nylons, high-temperature polymers, glass fiber and carbon fiber reinforced compounds, and long glass and long carbon fiber reinforced compounds.

 

In nylons, the company has been a leading developer of new material options to replace conventional glass-filled nylon 66, the standard bearer in the firearms industry which has faced performance limitations. Conventus has introduced resins like short glass fiber nylon 6/12 and polyphthalamide (PPA) for lower moisture absorption and higher modulus. For example, in shot gun components, these types of materials fill an important role by offering resistance to both arid and humid environments where traditional nylon lacks dimensionally stability. The company has also introduced polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) materials for higher temperature components, and long fiber-reinforced compounds to address concerns with impact and creep performance of short fiber reinforced nylon 66, particularly in magazine applications.

 

In addition to the new materials, Conventus features its new mold flow capabilities as part of its AIMS (Assistance for Injection Molding Success) service. AIMS is a new product development service for firearms developers which provides design know-how, material selection expertise, and a network of outstanding injection molders. The AIMS service offers unique solutions for firearms designers and manufacturers who seek to convert metal firearm components to injection molded engineering polymers. New mold flow capabilities help molders and designers make the transition from metal to plastic parts and minimize warp on plastic designs.