High-performance technopolymers: the structural alternative that convinces
For decades, metal has represented the standard for strength, durability and safety in industrial applications. But today, thanks to reinforced technopolymers, it is possible to replace it in many applications, improving the overall performance of the product. The question arises naturally: does it still make sense to always rely on metal?
LATI responds with two concrete application cases, where plastic does not only “as much”, but much more.
Spark: the Robotic Stretcher that Challenges Steel
A medical device that transports up to 320 kg? Done.
Spark is a latest generation robotic stretcher, designed to move on complex terrain and transport patients in complete safety. Its innovative structure features adjustable independent legs to adapt to the patient’s position.
The heart of the project is a critical component: the wheel support of the frame, where important mechanical stresses are concentrated.
Material used: LATAMID 66 H2 G/50
(Polyamide 66 reinforced with 50% glass fibers)
Performance comparable to metal
- Tensile strength: up to 220 MPa
- Elastic modulus: 16,000 MPa
- Dimensional stability: even in humid environments, under temperature and load
- Aesthetic finish and colorability: smooth and glossy surfaces even with reinforcing fibers
During development, FEM (Finite Element Method) simulations were conducted to optimize the geometry and distribution of mechanical stresses. The challenges in injection molding were overcome thanks to the extraordinary expertise of Capra Plast, which used high thermal conductivity steels to minimize cooling times and deformations.
[If this application interests you, learn more here]
Brave: Illuminating Cities without Aluminum
Brave is an LED projector for urban environments, designed to resist impacts (IK09), UV rays and corrosion. Main objective: avoid the use of aluminum while maintaining high thermal and mechanical performance.
Material used: LATICONTHER 62 GR/50
(Polyamide 6 filled with 50% graphite)
The functional advantages of technopolymer
- Thermal conductivity: up to 20 W/m·K
- Dimensional stability: on large components (231×182 mm)
- Chemical and mechanical resistance: suitable for outdoor use
- Mechanical compatibility: ideal with self-tapping screws (e.g. EJOT Delta PT)
Vossloh Schwabe, LATI’s long-standing partner in the processing of thermally conductive compounds, has over time developed specific expertise for the design of products made with these materials and for their processing: the precise and high-performance Brave headlight body is the tangible result.
[If this application interests you, learn more here]
LATI Technopolymers vs Metals: Comparative Advantages
| Characteristic | LATI Technopolymers |
| Lightness | Lighter than metals |
| Sustainability | Lower GWP than aluminum |
| Corrosion resistance | Optimal in aggressive environments |
| Ease of processing | Perfect for integration of multiple functions |
Sustainability and Circularity: a Measurable Value
LATICONTHER 62 GR/50 shows a GWP (Global Warming Potential) lower than aluminum, even in its recycled version.
Also available in the chemically recycled variant (LATICONTHER 62 CR GR/50), the compound maintains unchanged thermal conductivity, with reduced environmental impact and guaranteed traceability.
Smart materials for a more efficient industry
The metal-to-plastic substitution is no longer just a design hypothesis: it is a concrete strategy and winning, already applied in highly critical sectors such as medical, lighting, transportation and industrial.
With LATI technopolymers, companies can count on lighter, more robust, sustainable and easy-to-produce components, without compromising performance.
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