A muffler with muscle

High-impact polyamide mufflers take on higher engine temperatures in chain saws and trimmers from Echo Inc., Lake Zurich, Ill. (www. echo-usa. com), that must run hotter due to stricter emission testing. Polyamide's high impact resistance ensures that the housing won't crack easily if the saws or

trimmers are dropped as lumber jacks top off tall trees. The polyamide, Stanyl TW200F6, is a 30% glass-filled 4/6 nylon from DSM Engineering Plastics, Evansville Ind. (www. dsmep. com). According to Echo, the Stanyl reportedly outperforms other high-temperature nylons during mold tests conducted by an independent lab. It has a heat-deflection temperature of 554deg F (@ 1.8 MPa) and at 320deg F its dry, as-molded tensile strength and flexural modulus are 13.1 and 566 kpsi, respectively.

For more information on Echo Inc., Circle 623 For more information on DSM Engineering Plastics, Circle 624

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The 30% glass-reinforced Stanyl polyamide used in muffler housings has good impact resistance even at the high temperatures new chain saw and trimmer engines see due to recently enacted and stricter emission regulations. This will help ensure the housings won't crack easily if saws and trimmers are dropped while running hot.