Underwater Seismology Industry
Machined Plastics in Underwater Seismology
Preferred Plastics for Underwater Seismology:
PMI provides machined plastics for use in a variety of seismic applications. Combining high strength, exceptional corrosion resistance, and insulating properties, plastic materials are ideal for underwater components and protective equipment. Dimensionally stable with high acoustic efficiency, plastics will not interfere with electronic or mechanical signal transmissions.
- Structural components. Plastics maintain their dimensional and chemical stability under severe conditions. Resistance to heat, steam, saltwater, and chemicals makes many plastics ideal for underwater equipment seals, connectors, insulators, and electrical components.
- Bearing and wear components. Plastics can provide low friction, dimensional stability with the wide temperature range and low thermal expansion required for bearings, wear pads, thrust and rotary slides, gears, container liners, and other impact-resistant components.
- High-frequency applications. Many plastic materials provide exceptional dimensional stability and excellent sound transmission characteristics, making them well-suited for microwave, radar, and other high-frequency applications.
Consider the following when selecting a plastic for your underwater seismology application:
- Is your application primarily bearing/wear, or structural?
- What are the thermal requirements of your application?
- What chemicals will the material be exposed to during use and cleaning?
- Does your application require dimensional stability or impact resistance?
- Does your application have specific acoustic performance requirements?
Please refer to our Plastic Materials Guide for specific characteristics of the plastics we machine. For help selecting the optimal material for your application, contact the PMI technical support team. We understand the unique advantages and limitations of each plastic material, and can help you make the best choice for cost, function, and durability.
Plastics frequently used in Underwater Seismology include:
Celazole® PBI Plastic Machined Parts
Excellent dimensional stability and strength at the highest sustained temperatures.
PEEK Plastic Machined Parts
Semi-crystalline material provides exceptionally high temperature performance with good wear and friction properties. Easily machined, formed, and welded. Provides design versatility with excellent dimensional stability. Good chemical resistance. Doesn’t degrade with exposure to saltwater or steam.
Rexolite® Plastic Machined Parts
Cross-linked polystyrene with unusually stable electrical properties at high frequencies.
Ryton® PPS Plastic Machined Parts
Exceptional chemical resistance, compressive strength, and heat dissipation.
Ultem® PEI Plastic Machined Parts
Good dielectric properties and dimensional stability. Low thermal expansion.