DSM and DuPont target next-generation USB connectors

Polyamide producers are launching new material grades suitable for the thin wall moulding of next-generation USB connectors. The new USB Type-C standard is the first USB connector with reversible design allowing it to be plugged in right-side up or upside down for in and out connections.

DSM’s Stanyl polyamide 46 and Stanyl ForTii PA 4T materials have been approved by global producers for use in the next generation of USB Type-C connectors.

The Stanyl and Stanyl ForTii grades “have high CTI (Comparative Tracking Index) ratings well above 400V, which are a measure of their ability to provide electrical insulation”, said DSM. “Alternative materials show a short break during CTI testing, resulting in a serious performance and safety issue for the complete device when in use and exposed to particles, moisture, sweat or other pollution due to electrical tracking. DSM high performance polyamides offer an ideal balance of toughness and stiffness. Furthermore, the flame retardant additive systems that they incorporate to provide a UL 94 V-0 rating contain no halogens.”

The materials’ high flow in combination with high weld-line strength help the connectors pass durability tests that involve mating and unmating plugs and sockets more than 10,000 times.

DuPont has also launched a new grade in its Zytel HTN high-performance polyamide range for moulding USB Type-C connectors.

Zytel HTN FR52 non-halogen polyamides can handle the processing requirements of metal overmoulding in the connectors and have lower moisture absorption than other high performance polyamides.

“Devices are smaller, thinner and transmit data at extremely high rates and those needs proved to be too demanding for current polymer materials,” said Chun-Ku Chen, Asia-Pacific marketing manager of diversified industry at DuPont Performance Polymers. “We saw our customers struggling with existing materials and developed a new grade of the Zytel HTN FR52 Non Halogen product family with excellent flow rates, superior dimensional stability and low dielectric constant specifically for moulding Type-C connectors.”

The high flow rates allow moulders to inject the materials at lower temperatures, which creates less mould deposit. DuPont said the combination of features in Zytel HTN FR52 NH helps improve productivity by reducing cycle time, increasing uptime and minimizing maintenance costs.

“We applied our compounding expertise to ensure that even coloured USB Type-C cables connectors possess the right property balance for the application,” said Chen.