DSM introduces 3 new Akulon® Ultraflow grades for the Low Voltage Switchgear (LVSG) segment. Akulon Ultraflow K-FKGV4, Akulon Ultraflow K-FKGS6, and Akulon Ultraflow K-FKGV6 are the newly introduced grades that will complement the wide product portfolio that DSM Engineering Plastics offers for this segment.

Akulon Ultraflow K-FKGV4, a grade which is halogen free and RoHS compliant is ideally suited for MCB case and cover applications. This grade is characterized by its ability to be molded in thicknesses as low as 0.8mm with low warpage. The optimum flame retardant package in this grade ensures that molded parts have GWT of 960°C even at wall thicknesses of 0.8mm. This enables MCB’s to be designed with up to 25% thinner walls, leading to higher productivity, while still retaining the required functionality. The 20% higher retention of residual dielectric strength after a short circuit allows higher electrical endurance compared to traditional regular flow grades, enabling further differentiation of customer’s products.

Akulon Ultraflow K-FKGV6, a polyamide 6 grade with 30% glass fiber reinforcement is another halogen free grade. This grade offers a GWFI (GWT) of 960°C down to 0.8mm.

This product is designed for use in MCB accessories and MCCB contactor parts where stiffness is required due to the internal ribbing of the molding.

This grade has been specially developed to ensure its suitability for case and covers of MCB’s with current ratings of 0.1A to 63A and breaking capacities from 6-15kA. Further this grade has improved dimensional and mechanical properties even after moisture uptake.

Akulon Ultraflow K-FKGS6 (polyamide 6 with 30% glass fiber reinforcement) has been designed to allow the replacement of thermoset resins used until now in high current rated switchgear up to 10kA/125A. The grade conforms to UL94-V0 at 0.75mm with very good HWI/HAI specifically and enables NEMA compliant devices to be made meeting the UL489 & UL1077 standards.

Using Akulon® Ultraflow K-FKGS6 allows manufacturers to make more complex designs than is possible with thermoset resins, integrating accessories and terminal normally assembled at a later stage. This grade has been specially developed for applications where higher mechanical strength is required, especially in humid environments. Akulon Ultraflow K-FKGS6 has improved dimensional and mechanical properties even after moisture uptake.

Akulon Ultraflow K-FKGS6 is ideally suited for case and cover applications of high current Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCB), Residual Circuit Devices (RCD) and low current Molded Case Circuit Breakers (MCCB).

“Akulon Ultraflow grade offers excellent flow characteristics enabling product designers to use thinner walls and design for complex product geometries. Several leading global low voltage switchgear companies are in the advanced stages of launching MCB and MCCB products featuring these grades which till now had been selectively introduced to them. Looking at the success at these customers, we are extending these new grades to the industry as a whole.” – Peter Dufour, Product Manager – Akulon PA6 for Power Distribution, DSM Engineering Plastics Asia Pacific.

Akulon Ultraflow is specially formulated to offer very high flow and very quick cooling times enabling cycle times that are 25% faster than conventional polyamide 6 grades. Alternatively, the lower melt viscosity of these grades allows for approximately 20°C lower melt temperatures in comparison to conventional polyamide 6, ensuring better color stability of the end product. Parts made with Akulon Ultraflow have excellent surface finish, resulting is improved aesthetics in the end products.