DSM Engineering Plastics has introduced a halogen-free material specifically
designed for connectors in unattended appliances. ARNITE® XG PBT, meets the
requirements in IEC 60335-1.
Producers of white goods need a material for connectors that conforms to IEC
60335-1. This standard describes among others the requirements for unattended
household appliances such as washing machines, dryers and dishwashers, which
operate under high currents
(> 0,2A). They include the GWFI at 850°C (IEC 60695-2-12) and the glow wire
test at 750°C on end products (IEC 60695-2-11 GWT). The GWT of 750°C has an
extinguishing time of less then 2 seconds on assembled parts. The need to meet
these requirements makes it extremely difficult to find the right material.
Arnite® XG passes the GWT 750°C on end products, GWFI 850°C and the needle
flame test on assembled parts. The material offers excellent thermal
performance in addition to a high CTI (600V), good mouldability and very low
moisture uptake in comparison with PA 6 and PA 66. These unique properties
allow OEMs and connector manufacturers to produce high performance and safer
connectors for white good applications and to meet the most stringent
specifications of IEC 60335-1, while being environmentally friendly.
Arnite® XG has a lower environmental impact compared to other solutions, as it
uses a flame retardant system that is free of halogen and red phosphorus.
Arnite XG has a UL94 V-2 rating.
Brendan Maguire, Design Manager of Molex Ireland explains that this new
material delivers an exceptional solution for manufacturers of white goods:
“Halogen-free Arnite® XG is revolutionary because it is the first unfilled PBT
which has tested positively according to GWT on end products.”
The development of Arnite® XG is in line with DSM’s sustainability policy
(People, Planet, Profit) which states that DSM sets out to use energy and raw
materials efficiently in order to reduce the environmental impact of our
activities and to improve the eco-efficiency of our products and processes on
an ongoing basis.
