12 Mar 2008

PHILIPS ADOPTS DSM’S XANTAR® FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF LIGHTING ENCLOSURES

DSM Engineering Plastics has introduced Xantar® C (PC/ABS) for the manufacture of lighting components. The Xantar® C material is now being used for the production of end caps for Centura 2, an important new range of luminaires from Philips.

For the manufacture of the end caps, Philips required a material which would be completely light tight and prevent any leakage of light through the plastic itself. The end caps also had to perform within certain defined parameters.

Xantar® C has proved ideal for the purpose because it fulfills all the aesthetic, safety and sustainability requirements specified by Philips. It meets the heat performance range of 70 100°C, impact resistance of 5J and has a glow wire filament index (GWFI) of 960. The plastic also contains a halogen-free flame retardant and is UV stabilized.

Krzysztof Markiewicz, account manager for DSM Engineering Plastics in Poland. "We have worked with many leading lighting manufacturers to produce high quality covers and fitments that are both long-lasting and economically produced. Our materials are used in a wide range of applications, including sockets, wall outlets, connectors, lighting and enclosures.”

Xantar® C polycarbonate is suitable for a wide range of applications and can be converted using all common processing techniques. The product line consists of general purpose, flame retardant, reinforced and stress crack resistant modified grades as well as specialty grades developed for specific applications.

For the manufacturer, Xantar® polycarbonates and other grades can be coloured to meet any specific brand or design requirement. The colour and processing consistency, both within batch and batch-to-batch, leads to lower scrap rates and higher rates of machine use. The base colour is more consistent and stable than in many other materials. High design-led colour standards can be maintained during moulding by using masterbatches, reducing inventory and simplifying logistics.

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Notes for editors

DSM Engineering Plastics

DSM Engineering Plastics is a Business Group in the performance materials cluster of DSM, with sales in 2007 of EUR 1068 million (which number includes the sales of DSM Dyneema) and approximately 1500 employees worldwide. It is one of the world's leading suppliers of engineering thermoplastics offering a broad portfolio of high performance products including Stanyl® high performance polyamide and Akulon® 6 and 66 polyamides, Arnitel® TPE-E, Arnite® PBT and PET polyesters, Xantar® polycarbonate, Yparex® extrudable adhesive resins. These materials are used in technical components for electrical appliances, electronic equipment and cars, in barrier packaging films as well as in many mechanical and extrusion applications. With Stanyl®, it is the global market leader in high heat polyamides.

DSM – the Life Sciences and Materials Sciences Company

DSM creates innovative products and services in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences , that contribute to the quality of life. DSM’s products and services are used globally in a wide range of markets and applications, supporting a healthier, more sustainable and more enjoyable way of life. End markets include human and animal nutrition and health, personal care, pharmaceuticals, automotive, coatings and paint, electrics and electronics, life protection and housing. DSM has annual sales of almost EUR 8.8 billion and employs some 23,000 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations on five continents. DSM is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. More information on DSM can be found at www.dsm.com .