An innovative and differentiated tooling design and processing technology called PtFS (Production to Functional Specification), from UK-based Surface Generation, has been chosen by Victrex as it seeks to bring enhanced manufacturing effectiveness to its parts-based 'mega-programmes' and to OEM, tier 1s and the moulding community.

Surface Generation's unique technology uses patented hardware and proprietary software, to actively manage multiple part areas during processing and drive reductions in the energy consumption, injection processing pressures and cycle times required to make even the most complex material and part combinations.

This investment in innovation will support Victrex increasing commercialisation of its parts-based mega-programmes. Surface Generation's technology could, in the future, help moulders and others in the industry. Victrex's reason to invest reflects that it is gaining technology which could enable customers access to produce more complex parts that may have limitations from traditional tooling designs used in injection or compression moulding due to heating and cooling profiles of existing techniques in the tools.

"This investment with Surface Generation provides Victrex with an opportunity to finesse unique and potentially breakthrough manufacturing techniques," said Jakob Sigurdsson, CEO at Victrex. "We believe that the advantages of PtFS processing, where crucial controls can be applied to temperature levels in real time in the tool, could be a major advancement for our parts programmes, such as medical or automotive gears and potentially in aerospace composite solutions. At Victrex, we are very excited about the wide range of potential benefits that could result from PtFS."

Victrex to complement wider technology offering

The agreement with Surface Generation is directly in line with Victrex's strategy of continued investment in its mega-programmes, parts portfolio offering new and innovative disruptive technologies that not only extend the company's capabilities as a material solutions provider, but also complement Victrex's wider technology offering to its customers. Victrex has invested a small equity stake in Surface Generation, alongside the ability to utilise the technology.

"At Surface Generation we are focused on using PtFS based processing techniques to transform manufacturing with advanced high-performance materials, resulting in improved parts with less waste," said Ben Halford, CEO at Surface Generation. "We look forward to working with Victrex, a global leader in PAEK polymers, with decades of acquired expertise and market access. High-performance polymers are revolutionising design in a number of application areas, across multiple industries, offering the opportunity to replace metals and consolidate optimised parts."