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CIRCUIT BREAKER HOUSINGS USE POLYAMIDE 6, REPLACE THERMOSETS
20 October 2004 - 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.
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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 960C at 0.75mm 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 and 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 -33C; 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.
http://www.dsmep.com
About: DSM Engineering Plastics
DSM Engineering Plastics is a business group forming part of DSM's Performance Materials cluster. DSM EP is a global supplier of Stanyl PA46 and Akulon 6 and 66 polyamides, Arnitel TPE-E, Arnite PBT and PET polyesters, Xantar polycarbonate, Yparex extrudable adhesive resins, and Stamylan UH Ultra High Molecular Weight PE. 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. The business group had annual sales of EUR 566 million in 2003. With Stanyl, it is the global market leader in high heat polyamides.Stanyl is a family of heat-resistant polyamides from DSM Engineering Plastics. Stanyl’s high crystallinity (70% versus 50% for conventional PA66) results in high heat distortion temperatures of 190C for unreinforced grades, up to 290C for reinforced. Stanyl grades are used in automotive clutch plates, charge air coolers, chain tensioners; electrical components including motor frames and end laminates, circuit breakers, controls and connectors; and home and power tool components, including heat shields and heat-resistant utensils.
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