FEATURING new application possibilities with its improved Vydyne compounds at the K 2013, Ascend Performance Materials Inc, a major producer of PA66 resin and chemical intermediates, has announced the start of a new compounding line in Pensacola, Florida.

Ascend produces PA66 resin in Pensacola and in Greenwood (South Carolina ). Since 2005, Ascend has more than doubled its resin capacity, primarily in Pensacola making it one of the largest PA66 resin producers in the world. In recent years, Ascend has also invested capital and resources to expand production of its Vydyne compounds.

This year, the company has added a world-scale compounding line (30kmt/year) in its Florida facility. The new line adds state-of-art capabilities for producing unique, high-performance compounds.

The state-of-the-art compounding technology in the new Florida line is producing material with significantly improved consistency in viscosity and mechanical properties, according to Ascend. Moreover, parts moulded from these compounds are yielding 50-75% less mould-deposits (also called as ‘plate-out’), offering significant process and design benefits in high-volume applications with intricate part geometries.

“Ascend is proud to add new and innovative compounding capability that will bring significant product and process advantages to our customers,” said Scott Rook, Vice President & General Manager for the Engineering Plastics business at Ascend Performance Materials.