Tuesday, January 12, 2021
Interview with WESTLAKE
What are your company’s strengths?
We have integrated conversion (extrusion/compression) and machining. This enables us to adapt the formulation of a polymer, convert it, machine it, test it, and industrialize it on behalf of a client.
Where are your markets located (geographically)?
North America, Europe, Asia
How do you view the evolution of your profession?
In general, there is a significant need to educate about polymers to avoid conflating single-use plastics with technical plastics, which, for example, save lives or reduce the weight of transportation means (thus limiting pollution). When used properly, polymers are a true source of sustainable innovation.
I also believe in partially or fully bio-based polymers as an alternative to fossil-based sources.
In our field of medical devices, there will likely be a transition towards more 3D printing, probably combined with 3D + machining processes.
What are your most notable innovations?
Recently, we launched two innovative products in the form of thin thermoformable sheets.
AROLUX PEKK: In collaboration with ARKEMA, we use a KEPSTAN PEKK base that we manage to keep amorphous during extrusion. During thermoforming, the PEKK fully crystallizes and develops all its mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties. Plastiform in Thise (France) has developed strong expertise in converting this ultra-high-performance material, which we initially target for aerospace and defense applications. In short, it is a thermoformable PEEK that allows cost reduction (vs. machined PEEK) or significant weight savings in embedded equipment (vs. aluminum).
AEROLITE CARBON: A combination of a polyolefin and long carbon fibers (60 mm) in thin thermoformable sheet format. The value proposition is to fill a gap between thermoplastics, even reinforced, and thermosets (such as carbon or glass fiber). Aerolite Carbon is easily thermoformable, even on complex geometries, offering a very interesting productivity/mechanical property ratio. In Europe, we will mainly offer it to the orthotics/prosthetics industry (excluding implants) as well as for the manufacturing of exoskeletons.
What organizational changes are taking place in your company?
It is likely that the Covid crisis will lead to more long-term "home office" arrangements.
However, this crisis has also highlighted the need to create stronger cohesion around our values and our project. We have been fortunate to grow rapidly over the past 15 years, but this growth has not always been well supported, due to lack of time.
Title
To get to know you a little better:
- Favorite regional dish: Flemish Carbonnade
- Favorite hobby: Sailing (cruising and offshore racing)
Number of employees: 170
Locations:
- USA: 2 plants (extrusion/compression)
- EU: 1 plant (plastic machining) + distribution center
- Asia: Distribution center
Markets: Medical devices / Aerospace (in development)
Expertise: Conversion of polymer granules into semi-finished products by extrusion and compression, plastic machining for medical devices. Strong expertise in medical-grade polymers and high-performance thermoplastics.
Certifications: ISO 9001 and ISO 13485