presents
Canada
thyssenkrupp Materials North America
Vespel Grades
DuPont™ Vespel® for Major Canadian Industries
Aerospace
Canadian aerospace programs rely on DuPont™ Vespel® for components that must remain stable under rapid temperature change, friction, and vibration. It supports weight reduction and long-term durability in both aircraft systems and aerospace manufacturing.
Automotive
From major OEM corridors to smaller precision machining shops, DuPont™ Vespel® is used to improve friction control, reliability, and thermal stability in key automotive components. Its lightweight properties and self-lubricating behaviour make it ideal for engines and systems that operate in cold winters and high-heat zones.
Electronics and Semiconductor
Electronics and semiconductor manufacturers use DuPont™ Vespel® in high-temperature production processes involving aggressive chemicals and critical tolerances. It helps reduce contamination risk and ensures stability during thermal cycling.
Industrial Manufacturing
Industrial facilities across Canada use DuPont™ Vespel® to handle wear, reduce downtime, and extend equipment life. Mining, energy, advanced manufacturing, and heavy fabrication rely on it for demanding mechanical and thermal environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes DuPont™ Vespel® stand out
DuPont™ Vespel® is manufactured using a proprietary isostatic molding process that creates a unique polyimide structure. This process allows the material to perform from cryogenic conditions to sustained high temperatures without softening, melting, or losing dimensional stability. It also delivers exceptionally high PV values for bearing and wear applications. Aerospace, energy, and advanced manufacturing sectors have trusted this material for decades because of its proven performance and consistent quality.
Why replace metal components with DuPont™ Vespel®
Its light weight, self-lubrication, and resistance to temperature-related deformation make it an ideal replacement for metal parts. It also machines cleanly on equipment already used for metals. DuPont™ Vespel® is especially valuable for seals and wear components that must handle high pressure and heat without creep or deformation.
How are DuPont™ Vespel® shapes manufactured
DuPont produces its own resin in-house and follows strict process controls to maintain quality from batch to batch. The proprietary isostatic molding method results in uniform density and reliable properties. This is why DuPont™ Vespel® is trusted in applications that require traceability, certification, and verified material performance.
How does DuPont™ Vespel® handle high temperatures
Most engineering plastics soften once they reach their glass transition temperature. DuPont™ Vespel® maintains structure and mechanical integrity at temperatures that exceed 400°C. It also provides long-term low-friction performance in high-wear conditions, making it suitable for extreme thermal environments.
Selecting the right engineering plastic
Choosing the correct material is often a challenge due to the number of available engineering plastics. The team at thyssenkrupp Materials NA Canada supports customers through the evaluation process by reviewing application requirements, expected loads, environmental conditions, and performance goals. We help identify materials that offer the right balance of cost, durability, and technical behaviour.
Ensuring genuine DuPont™ Vespel®
Counterfeit materials have circulated in the market when unauthorized sellers machine larger rods into smaller diameters and alter Certificates of Conformance. These products do not meet DuPont™ specifications or required standards. To protect your operation and maintain traceability, always purchase DuPont™ Vespel® through authorized distributors such as thyssenkrupp Materials NA Canada.
DuPont™, the DuPont Oval Logo, and Vespel® are trademarks or registered trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates.
SP-1
DuPont™ Vespel® SP-1 is the unfilled, premium-purity base grade known for exceptional thermal stability and excellent electrical insulation. Its low outgassing and consistent performance in extreme temperatures make it a dependable choice for precision parts in aerospace, semiconductor, and scientific equipment. SP-1 maintains tight tolerances during machining and offers reliable wear resistance without additives.
Typical Applications
Electrical insulators, precision spacers, thermal shields, high-temperature instrumentation components, vacuum-rated parts.
Shapes Offered
SP-21
DuPont™ Vespel® SP-21 blends the strength of polyimide with fifteen percent graphite to deliver enhanced wear resistance and lower friction under load. This grade performs extremely well in dry-running conditions and maintains dimensional stability under pressure and heat. It is a trusted choice for applications where consistent lubrication and long service life are essential.
Typical Applications
Bushings, bearings, thrust washers, seals, sliding components, motion-control parts.
Shapes Offered
SCP-5000
DuPont™ Vespel® SCP-5000 is engineered for extreme purity and outstanding chemical resistance. Made from a specialty polyimide resin, this grade is designed to reduce contamination risks in demanding cleanroom and semiconductor environments. It holds its shape under high heat, resists plasma exposure, and provides excellent dielectric properties where precision is critical.
Typical Applications
Semiconductor fixtures, etching equipment components, precision isolation parts, wafer-handling components.
Shapes Offered
SP-211
DuPont™ Vespel® SP-211 combines graphite and PTFE to create a low-friction, long-wear material with excellent dry-running performance. This grade offers smoother motion, reduced noise, and improved sliding behaviour under moderate load. Its self-lubricating nature makes it ideal for parts that cannot rely on external grease or oil.
Typical Applications
Linear guides, pump vanes, dry-running bearings, rotary seals, valve components.
Shapes Offered
SP-3
DuPont™ Vespel® SP-3 is a specialized grade formulated for vacuum environments and exposure to low oxygen levels. With added molybdenum disulfide, it offers dependable lubrication and thermal stability where traditional materials fail. SP-3 performs exceptionally well in space, high-vacuum, and clean industrial systems where outgassing must remain minimal.
Typical Applications
Vacuum-system seals, aerospace components, pump parts, high-altitude mechanisms, sliding elements in low-oxygen environments
Shapes Offered
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