DSM ENGINEERING PLASTICS OFFERS SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR RAST CONNECTORS

DSM Engineering Plastics has announced that the company is now able to offer a full range of halogen free engineering plastics for the production of RAST connectors in the white goods industry.

The development of these products is in line with latest market trends and requirements for halogen free flame retardant insulation materials able to meet the highest safety standards.

Yannick Chardebas, Segment Manager E&E for DSM Engineering Plastics, says: “The development of this portfolio demonstrates our strong commitment to our OEM and tier1 customers in the white goods industry. At the same time, it also opens the path towards halogen free electronics outside the traditional ICT industry.”

Patrick Duis, Application Development Engineer Connectors for DSM Engineering Plastics adds: "As the first company to offer such a full portfolio, DSM is now able to support customers in the white goods industry as a one stop shop, offering solutions for standard pin through hole and the latest development of SMT (Surface Mount Technology) connectors."

Recently DSM Engineering Plastics was recognized as one of seven leading solutions providers who have engineered environmental solutions that negate the need for most - or in some cases all - uses of brominated and chlorinated chemicals in a report issued by the International Chemical Secretariat (ChemSec) and US based environmental organization Clean Production Action (CPA).

Full portfolio of HF materials

DSM is now able to offer a complete portfolio of halogen free products specifically for the White Goods market. This portfolio already includes Arnite® T XG510 (PBT); and Stanyl® ForTii™ (PA4T) F11 for SMT applications, and it is now completed with the addition of Akulon® (PA6) K225-KV.

The unique properties of all these grades allow OEMs and Tier 1s to produce high performance and safer connectors for white goods applications and to meet the most stringent specifications while being halogen free.

All these materials are designed for connectors in unattended appliances, meeting the requirements as specified in IEC 60335-1. This standard describes the test procedures required for unattended household appliances such as washing machines, dryers and dishwashers, which operate under high currents (> 0,2A). They include the GWFI 850°C (IEC 60695-2-12), the GWIT 775 °C (IEC 60695-2-13) and the glow wire end product test of 750°C (IEC 60695-2-11 GWT). The GWT of 750°C has an extinguishing time of less then 2 seconds on assembled parts.

Akulon K225-KV is an engineering Polyamide 6 able to meet the demand from the white good market with respect to the IEC 60335-1: passing the glow wire test on end products at 750°C. Akulon K225-KV is Halogen free V-2. The material has excellent hinge properties and very good GWIT and GWFI values, High CTI (575V) and is specifically designed for the production of RAST connectors.

Arnite T XG510 PBT has received VDE Approval for electrical insulating materials. This new grade is particularly suited for components like connectors in white goods applications, such as washing machines, dryers and dishwashers. Arnite T XG510 is revolutionary because it is the first unfilled PBT which has tested positively according to GWFI & GWIT on end products. The lower density of halogeen free PBT, compared with halogen containing PBTs, saves material, cost and weight. This results in safe and high quality end products and contributes to a better environment. Moreover, PBT has a better dimensional stability compared to polyamides.

Stanyl ForTii is an entirely new high performance polymer family. It offers a unique balance of properties including excellent dimensional stability, high stiffness and mechanical strength at elevated temperatures, high melting and glass transition point as well as excellent processability in terms of flow and processing window. Unique properties of Stanyl ForTii include its excellent reflow soldering ability, which is better than PPA, very high pin retention values which are better than LCPs, stable and fast processing, very good electrical properties (CTI 600V), low moisture uptake and proven lower corrosion on molding equipment compared with competitive products. The ForTii F11 grade has received VDE Approval for electrical insulating materials.

Please follow the link below to a recent article by Bishop & Associates Inc. This gives a comprehensive overview of various RAST applications and makes specific reference to Stanyl ForTii in the first surface mount RAST connectors globally. The use of Stanyl ForTii allows RAST connectors to be soldered to the board using lead-free reflow soldering, reducing assembly time, whilst omitting PCB hole drilling, thus reducing cost.

http://www.connectorsupplier.com/tech_updates_LN_RAST_11-17-09.htm

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Notes for editors

DSM Engineering Plastics

DSM Engineering Plastics is one of the world's leading suppliers of quality engineering thermoplastics providing customer value through sustainable solutions that reflect the DSM People, Planet and Profit strategy. DSM Engineering Plastics delivers innovative opportunities for customers who design or produce electrical applications, electronic equipment, cars, barrier packaging films as well as many mechanical and extrusion applications. These markets are served with a broad portfolio of high performance materials including Akulon® 6 and 66 polyamides, Arnitel® TPC, Arnite® PBT and PET polyesters, Yparex® extrudable adhesive resins, and Stanyl® high heat 46 polyamides. Most recently, DSM Engineering Plastics introduced the first new polymer of the 21st century: Stanyl® ForTii™. DSM Engineering Plastics had sales in 2008 of EUR 761 with 1500 employees employed worldwide. More on: www.dsmep.com.

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Royal DSM N.V. 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, electrical and electronics, life protection and housing. DSM has annual net sales of EUR 9.3 billion and employs some 23,500 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations on five continents. DSM is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. More information: www.dsm.com.

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