As we know designers and manufacturers are constantly developing their products to improve efficiency and reduce costs etc and this is usually done by embracing technology and utilising the latest materials. This is evident across all sectors from consumer products to healthcare and aerospace, but is probably most apparent in the automotive industry where components traditionally manufactured from metals are now produced in plastics. This has been made possible through the development of Ultra Polymers and Semi Crystalline Polyamides. The obvious benefits are weight reduction and minimised manufacturing costs, but the use of plastics also allows the design of more complex shapes and for production and assembly to be simplified through the consolidation of parts.

As designers and engineers develop their products it is essential that they can conduct accurate tests and evaluations, so they inevitably demand that their prototypes are both visually and mechanically representative of the final production parts.

In order to fulfil these requirements, resin manufacturers are constantly improving their materials for prototype manufacture and low volume production. Paragon Rapid Technologies of Darlington have added one of the latest High Temperature resins to their extensive range. This resin simulates PA6.6, PPS and PEEK and after correct processing and post curing the resin will be stable up to 220¡ãc. Paragon have produced a number of technical components such as Filter Housings, Engine Covers and Manifolds which have been successfully trialled on working engines for Commercial Vehicles and Excavators. As the amber base colour of this material is suitable for pigmentation, Paragon are able to offer alternatives to black and have subsequently produced high temperature, highly visual consumer products such as Electronics Housings, Kettles and Steamers as well as equipment to be tested in extreme environments by the fire service and military