Sabic Innovative Plastics has announced a full portfolio of flame-retardant materials that have achieved certification from VDE (Verband der Elektrotechnik Elektronik Informationstechnik eV), a German testing organisation.
“Because these 10 materials have successfully passed VDE’s stringent testing for compliance with the IEC 60335 standard for unattended household appliances, particularly the recently introduced glow wire ignition test (GWIT) for flammability, manufacturers do not have to spend time and resources on additional testing of plastic parts,” a Sabic statement said.
“Further, the breadth and depth of this portfolio, featuring many halogen-free grades, provides easy, one-stop shopping. Sabic Innovative Plastics’ investment in proactive certification benefits customers by simplifying and shortening the product development process.”
The 10 materials achieving certification from VDE are: Noryl NH6020 resin; Noryl NH7010 resin; Cycoloy CX7240 resin; Cycoloy CY6110 resin; Lexan ML6411 resin; Lexan 945A resin; Starflam RF0055E compound; Valox V9561 resin; Valox 771 resin; Valox ENH4550 resin.
Arthur van Dijk, industry manager, electrical and lighting, Sabic Innovative Plastics, commented: “Passing the new glow wire ignition test is very challenging for conventional thermoplastics because many self-ignite around the test temperature. By drawing on the legacy of Sabic Innovative Plastics’ exceptional technical expertise, we have been able to engineer nearly a dozen grades that meet this tough safety standard. By choosing from our portfolio, appliance manufacturers will have one less hurdle to overcome in getting their products to market.”
The different IEC 60335-compliant grades include amorphous and semi-crystalline materials. They offer a variety of properties, including thick- and thin-wall moulding capability, hig-heat resistance, transparency or opacity in a range of colours, chemical resistance, hydrolytic stability, and a range of CTI (Comparative Tracking Index) values from 175V to 600V. Most offer flame retardance without the use of brominated or chlorinated additives – materials that can be harmful to the environment – thus meeting the requirements of the European Union’s (EU) Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directives. Further, all grades have a full listing in the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) yellow card system.
These materials are suitable for any plastic part in an unattended appliance that is less than 3 mm away from a live connection of more than 0.2 amperes. Target applications include: PCB cardholders, terminal blocks, connectors, circuit protection, relays, switches, motor end caps, control boxes, control panels, battery chargers and fuse holders.
Meeting tough standards
The new glow wire ignition test, which was added to the IEC 60335 standard in 2006, is used to simulate the effect of heat that may arise in malfunctioning unattended appliances, such as dishwashers, dryers, washers, and coffee makers. The plastic material is put in contact with a wire heated to 750 C for 30 seconds. During that time, the plastic cannot ignite for more than five seconds, after which it must self-extinguish. VDE conducts the GWIT in accordance with IEC 60335 requirements.
