SYNNERGY™ Low Friction Compounds

SYNNERGY™ is a custom line of low-friction compounds for single and dual-layer tube extrusion, injection molding, film and blow molding applications. SYNNERGY™ compounds are custom-formulated using a proprietary blend of lubricious additives to significantly reduce the coefficient of friction of natural resins, particularly low-durometer thermoplastics, which are inherently tacky. 

As a safe and durable alternative to PTFE, SYNNERGY™ formulations can be customized using colorants and other performance-enhancing additives for industrial and medical products, including interventional and diagnostic catheters, industrial tubing, and component parts. In addition to performance-enhancing benefits SYNNERGY™ and SYNNERGY™ Rx formulations can also serve as a processing aid to improve material handling.

polymer offerings 
  • Polyolefins - LLDPE, LDPE, HDPE, PP, EVA
  • Polyamides - PA 6, 6/6, 6/12, 11, 12,  blends
  • Thermplastic Elastomers - PEBA, Hytrel, SBC's, TPV
  • Polyurethanes - TPU  
  • Styrenics - PS, HIPS, ABS, SAN, SBC, ASA
  • Polycarbonates - PC, PC/ABS, Alloys
  • High Temp Materials - PSU, PPSU, PEEK, PAEK, PEI
  • Medical grades
ADDITIVES & Enhancements
  • Custom colors
  • Heat & UV stabilizers 
  • Polymer reinforcements
Benefits & MARKET APPLICATIONS 

Low coefficient of friction (COF) provides several advantages in polymer processing, product performance, and equipment longevity. 

  • Enhanced Material Flow: Materials with a low COF slide more easily over machinery surfaces, ensuring smooth and consistent processing, particularly in extrusion, molding, and film production.  In these instances, SYNNERGY™ formulations can be utilized as a processing aid to improve production yields and reduce scrap.  

  • Improved Product Performance: Commercial products, such as sliding surfaces, conveyor belts, and automotive parts often benefit from reduced COF, which enhances functionality and reduces operational noise. In medical settings, low COF provides a heightened level of patient safety during diagnostic and interventional catheter procedures by providing ease of navigation for physicians. 

  • Improved Product Quality: For films, sheets, and molded parts, low COF helps prevent defects, such as scratching, scuffing and or tearing, resulting in superior surface finishes and aesthetics. The same surface enhancement can also be seen on extruded tubing.

  • Increased Durability: In applications utilizing gears, bearings, and or moving parts, a low COF reduces frictional heat and wear, thereby enhancing the product’s lifespan and reliability.

  • Reduced Energy Consumption: Low COF often equates to less energy and force when moving a material through processing equipment. This in turn leads to a reduction in operational costs and improved production efficiency.

  • Improved Handling: Products such as films, bags and sheets with a low COF are easier to unwind, layer, and or slide during packaging and transportation, thereby improving efficiency in downstream operations.

  • Minimized Wear and Tear: Low COF decreases abrasive interaction between polymers and machinery, extending the lifespan of tools, dies, molds, and other processing equipment.
SYNNERGY™ Rx

SYNNERGY™ Rx formulations are intended for medical use and are manufactured using a blend of medical grade polymers and additives for low friction medical device applications. All medical manufacturing is conducted in a dedicated white room environment to provide the highest level of quality control. Our 1,000 square foot white room is climate controlled and equipped with a 32mm co-rotating twin-screw extruder, which is dedicated to medical material processing. SYNNERGY™ Rx formulations have passed USP Class VI testing for biocompatibility.