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The article explains how the reliability of diaphragm pumps depends heavily on both design and material selection, especially for critical components such as the pump head, which is directly exposed to the fluids being handled. While metal has traditionally been used to ensure strength and durability, modern industrial engineering is increasingly turning to high-performance thermoplastics as effective metal replacement solutions.
The case presented concerns Electro A.D., S.L., a Spanish company based near Barcelona, specialised in the design and manufacture of diaphragm vacuum and pressure pumps for industrial and technical applications. The company required a material capable of resisting different chemical media while maintaining dimensional stability, mechanical strength, fatigue resistance and thermal performance during continuous operation.
To meet these requirements, Electro A.D. selected PPS-based compounds from LATI’s LARTON family. PPS, or polyphenylene sulphide, is a high-performance engineering polymer known for its excellent chemical resistance, high thermal stability, low moisture absorption, dimensional precision and ability to retain mechanical properties over time.
LATI supplied two specific grades: LARTON G/40, a glass fibre reinforced PPS compound designed to provide stiffness, mechanical strength and fatigue resistance; and LARTON GCE/600 BLACK, filled with glass fibres and mineral filler to ensure high dimensional stability, even in complex moulded geometries.
The use of LARTON materials enables the pump head to withstand chemical attack, avoid corrosion issues typically associated with metals and ensure long-term reliability. The collaboration between Electro A.D. and LATI therefore demonstrates the value of PPS engineering thermoplastics in replacing metal components in demanding industrial applications.
