Parker Lord's HCR additive is self-bonding

CARY, N.C.—Parker Lord Corp. has released a new silicone additive that allows for self-bonding, without the requirement of adhesives or primers.

Chemlok 3Stream can "significantly reduce the manufacturing cost for HCR-bonded parts," the company said in a Nov. 22 release.

"With this new solution, it is no longer necessary to prime the substrate before overmolding or compression molding, which saves on plant floor space by eliminating the adhesive station and drying area normally used for application of a primer," Parker Lord said.

The self-bonding properties imparted by Chemlok 3Stream, added during the milling process, prevent the need for spray equipment and ventilation for volatile solvents that are sometimes used with primers.

"Using Chemlok 3Stream, a primer isn't needed, so no VOCs are present," the company said.

The HCR additive can bond to clean metals, plastics (such as PBT), nylon and polycarbonate, but does not affect the mechanical properties of HCR.

Chemlok 3Stream is used in association with automotive and medical parts, in vibration controls and thermoplastic grips, respectively.