Avient’s Long‑Fiber Nylon Replaces Aluminum in Bettcher Motor Housing, Cutting Weight & Cost

A collaboration between Avient Corp. of Avon Lake, Ohio, and Bettcher Industries of Birmingham, Ohio, has seen Bettcher replace the support yoke of its Quantum Motor with a long‑fiber thermoplastic (LFT) instead of traditional cast aluminum.

The 25‑lb motor powers a range of meat‑trimming tools, and the challenge was to deliver a lighter, polymeric yoke that would reduce part cost while withstanding constant weight, high vibration, and corrosive chemicals.

Avient selected its Complēt long glass‑fiber‑reinforced nylon composite, which is nearly 40% lighter than the aluminum it replaces. The LFT also allows injection molding, enabling faster, single‑step production that drives down costs.

“Opportunities for metal replacement are everywhere,” said Eric Wollan, general manager of PlastiComp at Avient. “This project demonstrates how the strength and toughness of Complēt long‑fiber composites provide a lightweight, high‑performance substitute for metals across many sectors. Our material science and design expertise guide customers through the material‑change journey, unlocking greater efficiency and performance.”

Avient carried out virtual prototyping—including mold‑flow analysis and finite‑element analysis—to redesign the yoke, while Bettcher built a physical prototype and tested it through half a million use cycles. The results enabled Avient to formulate a pre‑colored LFT that matches Bettcher’s product palette, eliminating the need for secondary painting and further reducing cost.

“We’re grateful for Avient’s proactive approach,” said Joel Hall, senior engineering manager at Bettcher. “Their collaborative engineering helped us confidently transition to long‑fiber technology and deliver a high‑end, innovative product to our customers.”

This partnership exemplifies how advanced composites can replace metal components, delivering lighter, more cost‑effective solutions without compromising durability or performance.