AIC uses the processes of Compression and Melt Molding to manufacture custom thermoplastic and fluoropolymer shapes and components. These processes are closely monitored to ensure the quality and consistency of the end product. Our quality assurance procedures include a Class 10,000 Clean Room, full batch documentation, certificates of analysis, and ultrasonic inspections.

Compression Molding is the primary process utilized for producing basic shapes out of PTFE. The PTFE powder is placed in a mold and subjected to a pressing operation to produce a "green" pre-form. This pre-form is then fired in an oven through a process called "sintering" to produce a cured or mechanically bonded polymer.

Melt Molding is similar to compression molding, but applies only to melt-processable thermoplastics, like PEEK®. The thermoplastic powder is placed in a mold and then in an oven to reach or exceed the melting temperature. Once it has melted, it is placed under a maintained pressure until it cools. During this procedure, the polymer chains will cross-link to create a chemically bonded, homogemous material.