Skip to main content
Sister Publication Links
  • European Rubber Journal
  • Plastics News
  • Tire Business
Subscribe
  • Login
  • Register
  • Subscribe
  • News
    • Tire
    • Airless Tires
    • Non-Tire
    • More News
    • Suppliers
    • Silicone
    • Latex
    • Technical Notebooks
    • Opinion
    • Online Exclusive
    • Special Reports
    • Automotive
    • Executive Action
    • Government/Legal
    • Sustainability
    • Blogs
      • Products
      • Wacky World of Rubber
    • Best Places to Work
    • War in Ukraine
    • Rubber Division IEC
    • ITEC
    • Women Breaking the Mold
  • PFAS
  • Custom
    • Sponsored Content
    • White Papers
  • Resources
    • Directory
    • Classifieds & Mold Mart
  • Data
  • Events
    • RN Events
    • RN Livestreams/Webinars
    • Industry Events
    • Past Events
    • Rubber News M&A Live
    • PFAS Live
    • Ask the Expert
    • International Tire Exhibition & Conference (ITEC)
    • Women Breaking the Mold Networking Forum
  • Advertise
  • DIGITAL EDITION
MENU
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. News
November 07, 2013 01:00 AM

Finite Fiber's Varamix finding niche with customers

Chris Sweeney
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Share
  • Email
  • More
    Print
    Varamix is used to reinforce rubber compounds

    Finite Fiber L.L.C.'s Varamix, which reinforces rubber compounds with fiber, is gaining acceptance in the market, company officials said at the International Elastomer Conference in Cleveland.

    "Feedback has been excellent," said Todd Johnson, vice president of sales for the Akron-based company, which showcased the material at the firm's booth. "There is a lot of interest in our product. There are some commercial applications now, but we expect the growth of the product to be very good."

    The rubber industry is the primary market for Varamix, but Johnson said any polymer-bound product potentially could have an application for the material.

    The company said the dry, aramid-based blend of fiber has superior strength, abrasion and thermal properties. Partitioning agents and a unique blending technology reduce the tendency of the aramid to clump, allowing fibers to disperse evenly.

    Johnson said the company has designed a system that allows it to dial in certain properties, preserve others, and optimize and minimize negative effects for the use of proportioning different types of aramid-based fibers.

    Finite Fiber applied for a patent in June, and has been developing the product the last three years. President Keith Kleve said patents usually take a couple of years.

    The concept was designed originally to save money from the factory footprint all the way through to the finished product, said Johnson.

    The speed at which the material pro-cesses is faster than typical aramids, according to the executive, which takes place in the manufacturing process and ultimately translates into the finished product.

    Johnson said the materials that have been purchased have delivered the same kinds of properties in most cases, and improved properties in others. He said customers get approximately twice as much material for the same amount of money.

    "Our initial concept was built around not trying to go into competition with anyone," he said.

    "We wanted to utilize what technologies were already out there and improve them," the executive said.

    "We have partnerships with existing aramid suppliers that support our effort in developing products that will ultimately increase their sales as well. We're not looking to try to technically replace anyone; we're just trying to create new dollars with new technology," he said

    Kleve said the company has no physical plant expansions planned, but is installing new processing equipment at its facility in Akron.

    Letter
    to the
    Editor

    Rubber News wants to hear from its readers. If you want to express your opinion on a story or issue, email your letter to Editor Bruce Meyer at [email protected].

    Most Popular
    1
    Stephenie Davis, Davis Industrial | Women Breaking the Mold
    2
    3 key issues the UAW is fighting for in Detroit 3 contracts
    3
    Breaking molds, inspiring an entire industry | Women Breaking the Mold 2023
    4
    Updated: Arlanxeo to close butyl plant in Belgium
    5
    GM idles Kansas plant, Stellantis enacts layoffs as UAW strike continues
    SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTERS
    EMAIL ADDRESS

    Please enter a valid email address.

    Please enter your email address.

    Please verify captcha.

    Please select at least one newsletter to subscribe.

    Get our newsletters

    Staying current is easy with Rubber News delivered straight to your inbox, free of charge.

    Subscribe Today

    Subscribe to Rubber News to get the best coverage and leading insights in the industry.

    SUBSCRIBE
    Connect with Us
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    MISSION

    To serve companies in the global rubber product industry by delivering news, industry insights, opinions and technical information.

    Contact Us

    2291 Riverfront Pkwy, Suite 1000
    Cuyahoga Falls,
    OH 44221

    Customer Service:
    877-320-1726

    Resources
    • About Us
    • Digital Edition
    • Staff
    • Advertise
    • Order Reprints
    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Request
    • Terms of Service
    • Careers
    • Ad Choices
    • Sitemap
    Partner Sites
    • Tire Business
    • European Rubber Journal
    • Plastics News
    • Urethanes Technology
    • Automotive News
    • Crain Brands
    Copyright © 1996-2023. Crain Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    • News
      • Tire
      • Airless Tires
      • Non-Tire
      • More News
        • Automotive
        • Executive Action
        • Government/Legal
        • Sustainability
        • Blogs
          • Products
          • Wacky World of Rubber
      • Suppliers
      • Silicone
      • Latex
      • Technical Notebooks
      • Opinion
      • Online Exclusive
      • Special Reports
        • Best Places to Work
        • War in Ukraine
        • Rubber Division IEC
        • ITEC
        • Women Breaking the Mold
    • PFAS
    • Custom
      • Sponsored Content
      • White Papers
    • Resources
      • Directory
      • Classifieds & Mold Mart
    • Data
    • Events
      • RN Events
        • International Tire Exhibition & Conference (ITEC)
        • Women Breaking the Mold Networking Forum
      • RN Livestreams/Webinars
      • Industry Events
      • Past Events
      • Rubber News M&A Live
      • PFAS Live
      • Ask the Expert
    • Advertise
    • DIGITAL EDITION