What polymer is the best choice for connector in heavy industry?

Connector generally refers to an electrical connector, which transmits current or signals by connecting two active devices. 

Also known as connectors, plugs and sockets, it is a component widely used in the modern electronic and electrical industry.

It is applied to the connector material selection needs in the environment of heavy industry enterprises such as steel plants.

Specific requirements:

The product can be used in an environment of 80℃

Can withstand high temperatures of 150°C during mechanical impact

Tensile/flexural strength: ≈150MPa

Elongation at break: ≥2%

RTI: 150℃ (mechanical shock/electrical)

CTI: 0/1/2

Flame retardant: V0

Glass fiber reinforcement: 25%-30%

Performance requirements for plastics used in connectors

1 temperature resistance

Meet the maximum operating temperature and minimum temperature of the connector.

Because when the connector is working, the current generates heat at the contact point, causing a temperature rise. Therefore, it is generally believed that the operating temperature should be equal to the sum of the ambient temperature and the temperature rise of the contact.

In some specifications, the maximum allowable temperature rise of the connector under the rated operating current is clearly specified. In addition to temperature resistance testing, outdoor work also needs to meet high and low temperature shock cycle testing requirements.

2 water absorbency

For connectors requiring SMT, water absorption is an important indicator for material selection. Connectors are prone to defects such as blistering during the SMT process after absorbing water. The less absorbent the plastic from which the connector is produced, the longer the connector can be stored.

3 mechanical properties

Connection performance

Connectors need to meet certain pull-out force test requirements

vibration and shock

Vibration and impact resistance are important properties of connectors. They are particularly important in special application environments, such as aerospace and rail transportation. They are important indicators of the robustness of the mechanical structure of the connector and the reliability of electrical contacts.

The peak acceleration, duration and shock pulse waveform, as well as the time for interruption of electrical continuity should be specified in the impact test.

4 Electrical properties

Withstand voltage and insulation; CTI level 0-5, the smaller the value, the better.

5 Flame retardant properties

Under specific conditions of use, electrical flame retardant requirements should be met. Flame retardant properties range from HB to V0.

6 Environmental resistance

Common environmental performances include low temperature, constant humidity and heat, alternating humidity and heat, salt spray test, sulfur dioxide test, and hydrogen sulfide test.

Other environmental properties of the connector include sealing (air leakage, liquid pressure), chemical resistance (resistance to specific chemical reagents), low air pressure, etc.

7 Processing performance

The fluidity of the material meets the molding conditions, and the size is stable and the deformation is small.