Friedrichshafen, Germany — ForTii is Royal DSM's favorite number at Fakuma.
The Dutch materials maker is promoting a new grade of the high-performance nylon, called ForTii Ace, for water management care at the event. The material, introduced last year at K 2016, was developed for demanding drinking water applications. A water management grade of DSM's Xytron-brand PPS compounds also is available.
"Water consumption is increasing globally," Joost d'Hooghe, DSM's Europeon commercial director, said in an interview at Fakuma. The new ForTii grade "completes our portfolio in water management," he added.
The ForTii Ace grade has 30 percent glass fiber content and has proven superior retention of properties in long-term water contact, officials said.
Tests carried out confirm that ForTii Ace WX51-FC also has superior hydrolysis resistance, maintaining its strength for a much longer period than alternative materials. Its overall resistance to most chemicals at elevated temperatures also is very good, officials said.
ForTii also is strong in consumer electronics, according to Tamin Sidiki, global electronics marketing director. A high-temperature grade of the material can withstand temperatures of up to 160°C and offer performance similar to PEEK.
For structural parts, ForTii can provide both temperature and chemical resistance, according to Tim Vorage, automotive program manager. ForTii Ace also has been commercialized in a part for a weed trimmer.
DSM employs 25,000 worldwide and has annual sales of around 10 billion euros ($11.8 billion).