CIRCUIT BREAKER MANUFACTURER LOWERS SYSTEM COSTS, IMPROVES PERFORMANCE OF MCB HOUSINGS WITH AKULON® PA6 FROM DSM ENGINEERING PLASTICS

A major European manufacturer of electrical components has reduced overall system costs while improving product performance for a series of micro circuit breakers (MCBs) by using Akulon® K222-KMV5 polyamide 6 (PA6) thermoplastic from DSM Engineering Plastics for the MCBs’ enclosures.

Compared to the thermoset materials previously used for the MCB line, Akulon offers distinct cost advantages. Akulon K222-KMV5, a 25% mineral-filled, halogen-free flame-retardant, V-2 rated nylon grade, provides processing, end product and regulatory benefits. For example, it meets regulatory standards IEC 60947and 60898.

With Akulon K222-KMV5, DSM brings an optimal balance of mechanical properties together with the high thermal stability. The result is a high-performance material that enables the enclosures to withstand the short circuit produced as the MCB mechanism switches off within milliseconds during operation. The Akulon PA6 nylon grade also exhibits other beneficial properties for MCBs, including high levels of surface and volume resistivity, dielectric strength, and tracking resistance. Key is also the material’s Glow Wire Flammability Index (IEC 60695-2-12) of 960° C at 0,75 mm thickness.

The excellent in-mould flow of Akulon K222-KMV5 not only permits easy processing with fast cycles, but also gives engineers a great deal of design freedom. Complex mouldings in Akulon maximise internal electrical componentry while retaining the smallest possible product package. The Akulon material is laser-markable, as well as tampon- and ink jet-printable.

In addition to the Akulon materials that have been tailored specifically for the E&E segment, other DSM Akulon PA6 grades include neat; high stiffness (30-40% glass and mineral reinforcement); higher stiffness (>50% glass); Ultraflow™ with 50% better flow than general-purpose nylon grades; Ultralas™ for laser welding or laser marking; high-burst, impact-modified grades for splinter-free performance as low as -33 °C; ultraviolet (UV)-stable nylons; and blow-mouldable grades. Akulon is also available in a range of film grades.

Typical Akulon applications include under-bonnet automotive components and assemblies including air cleaners, intake manifolds and engine covers; automotive appearance items such as door handles; electrical components such as connectors, junction boxes, and terminal blocks; power tool and lawn and garden enclosures and housings; a wide variety of sports equipment, including ski bindings, and inline skates; and a broad range of appliance and building and construction applications.