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The History of ePTFE

Expanded PTFE (or ePTFE), like regular PTFE, is an incredibly versatile and rugged material. And like PTFE, ePTFE began as an accident. Before we can get to that, however, we should start at the beginning.

What is the history of ePTFE?  When his ideas for expanding the use of PTFE was turned down by his employers at DuPont, chemist Wilbert “Bill” Gore left the company to start his own. And in 1958 Gore and his wife Genevive “Vive” Gore founded W.L. Gore and Associates out of the basement of their Delaware home. During this time, Gore’s company began to serve the burgeoning computer industry by using PTFE to insulate multiple copper conductors and fashion them into ribbon cable resulting in a product known as MULTI-TET.

Learn More About the History of ePTFE

Bob Gore

Bob Gore recreating his discovery of ePTFE

As the years went on it became clear to Gore that trends in computer technologies meant that computers were becoming smaller and smaller, resulting in the need for less cables for circuitry. In 1968, Gore tasked his son, Robert “Bob” Gore, to come up with a solution. One night in October 1969, Bob Gore was researching a new process for stretching extruded PTFE into pipe-thread tape when he discovered that the polymer could be “expanded.”

After several failed experiments in which Bob tried to slowly expand the material even further, he became frustrated and yanked the material. As it turned out, this was the exact conditions PTFE needed to become expanded. This sudden yank resulted in the transformation of solid PTFE into a microporous structure that was about 70% air. This material would later become known as ePTFE, or Gore-Tex.

ePTFE Applications

Today, ePTFE is used in a wide variety of applications. These applications include:

  • Aerospace
  • Automotive
  • Energy
  • Filtration
  • Medical
  • And much more

Interested in learning more about ePTFE and how Advanced EMC Technologies can offer you premiere sealing solutions? Contact us today!

by Jackie Johnson Jackie Johnson No Comments

The Different Types of 3D Printing, Part 2

Last week, we talked about a few of the 3D printing technologies that are on the market. Today’s blog post is a continuation of last week’s post, with even more 3D printing methods to discuss!

DLP

Digital Light Processing (or DLP) uses a projector to cure photopolymer resin. DLP printing is very similar to SLA, the differencing being the use of a safelight instead of a UV laser. Also, like SLA, DLP creates highly detailed objects with very little visible layers. And while DLP can print much faster than SLA, the objects printed have similar properties.  Benefits of DLP printing include:

  • Highly Reliable System
  • High Quality Prints
  • Easier to Maintain than SLA Printers
  • Cheaper than Most SLA Printers

MJF

Multi Jet Fusion (or MJF), developed by HP, is unique in that it uses inkjet to create a 3D-object. An inkjet array selectively applies fusing and detailing agents across a bed of nylon powder, which are then fused by heating elements into a solid layer. This process repeats itself until the object is formed. After that, the entire powder bed is moved to a processing station where loose powder is removed and then bead blasted and dyed. Benefits of MJF printing include:

  • Lowest Cost to Print
  • More Design Flexibility
  • No Supports Needed
  • Benefits of Being Backed by HP

DMLS

Direct Metal Laser Sintering (or DMLS) is one of the best ways to make functional metal prototypes and parts. The process begins by sintering each layer with a laser aimed onto a bed of metallic powder. The powder is then micro-welded and the process is repeated layer by layer until an object is formed. Benefits of DMLS include:

  • Ability to Print Complex Parts
  • High Quality Prints
  • Rapid Print Speed
  • Print is Strong and Durable

EBM

Electron Beam Melting (or EBM) is very similar to SLS printing. There are, however, several key differences- the most significant differences being that the energy source comes from an electron beam instead of a CO2 laser, and that EBM printers work with conductive metal instead of thermoplastic polymers. The benefits of EBM printing are:

  • High Density Prints
  • Fast Printing Process
  • Non-Sintered Powder can be Recycled
  • Fewer Supports Needed

3D printing has evolved and expanded since it’s beginnings in the 1970s. Since then, there have been several different 3D printing technologies created, each with their own pros and cons. Regardless of material used, time and budget, there is a printer for you.