Sensor systems for jet engine testing – critical to development and
qualification -- face tough conditions, ranging from extreme vibration to
broad fluctuation in temperature. Connectors for the many harnesses in one
manufacturer’s systems are made of Stanyl® polyamide 4,6 (PA46), taking
advantage of the cost effectiveness, design freedom, heat resistance,
dimensional stability, stiffness and durability of Stanyl grades.
The ability of the heat-stabilized Stanyl TE250F6 grade to maintain mechanical
strength to 270 °C plays a large part in the design and long-term
functionality of the connectors. Stanyl also handles dense pin counts and
pitch in thinwall designs, thanks to exceptional ductility and weldline
strength. Additionally, Stanyl is more cost-effective than other high-heat
thermoplastics, especially when its faster cycle times and flow
characteristics are considered.
“The key to success was working with the test equipment producer to optimise
the connector design in Stanyl,” said Marco van Moll, Application Development
Technical Service, Stanyl. “It soon emerged that TE250F6 provided an ideal
balance of mouldability, overall cost and, most importantly, long service
life.”
With a heat deflection temperature (HDT) of 290 °C, this grade is excellent
for electronics production using lead-free soldering. Dimensional stability,
particularly creep resistance, enables pin retention and maintenance of pitch
over long periods of use in situations like jet testing, where connectors see
multiple, rapid setups and tear-downs under tough aerospace conditions.
The Stanyl family of heat resistant polyamide moulding compounds is produced
and marketed exclusively by DSM. Stanyl is used in demanding applications in
the automotive, electrical and electronics industries. Stanyl is offered in a
wide variety of grades including high flow, abrasion-resistant, and unfilled
(non-reinforced), as well as grades containing glass fiber, minerals,
lubricants, impact modifiers or flame-retardants.
Stanyl is one of very few high performance thermoplastics used in aerospace
engines. Its higher crystallinity and a faster rate of crystallization
provides a technical edge over other engineering plastics, including PA6,
polyesters, semi-aromatic polyamides (PPAs), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) and
liquid crystal polymers (LCPs).
