Vectra - LCP - Polyplastics Co. Ltd

Kunststoffe international, 2005-11-21, Airbag Module in PA 6 Recyclate
...her material cycle through a recycling-oriented design for the passenger airbag housing (title photo, Fig. 1). Opel was the first automotive manufacturer to introduce this PA 6 housing with glass fibre reinforcement when it was incorporated in the Vectra in 1995. This has now opened up the way for modular housings in recyclate, marking a key contribution towards fulfilling more stringent environmental requirements in future too. Closed Housing Cycle The PA 6 GF housings that Opel currently use...

Kunststoffe international, 2005-11-21, Automotive Conference: Lightweight Construction as Magic Phrase
... obtained (Martin Lehner, BMW Group, Munich). Wolfgang Markard (Opel, Rüsselsheim/Germany) sees a weight saving potential of around 50% in a plastic steering column module. This has already been implemented to a certain extent in the Vectra C (Fig. 2). The steering lock housing is made from PA 6. The number of assembly steps has been reduced from 10 to 4 by integrating functions. The limits of plastics use in steering locks have been reached. Design changes and ideas are needed here in order tha...

Kunststoffe international, 2005-11-21, Bond Reliably: The Right Adhesive
...o@delo.de Fig. 1. Approx. 15kg of adhesives are used in a mid-sized automobile. Often, these involve plastic bonding applications Fig. 2. Strength comparison: Strong bonding of LCP can be achieved with epoxy adhesives (Resin tested: Vectra E130 i). The bond strength remains almost constant even after demanding ageing tests (beige/olive-coloured bars) Fig. 3. Plastics often have low surface energies and a limited surface area for wetting by adhesives Fig. 4. The surface energy can be i...

Kunststoffe international, 2005-11-21, Dynamic Growth: Liquid Crystal Polymers (LCP)
...ration – often in close cooperation with processors by developing application-specific compounds. For instance, together with LPKF (LPKF Laser & Electronics GmbH, Garbsen/Germany), Ticona, Kelsterbach/Germany, developed an LCP grade (Vectra E820i LDS) that is activated directly by laser. In the LDS process, which has only three steps, a simple injection moulded part is structured and simultaneously activated by a laser beam, and can be selectively metal-plated immediately thereafter without addi...

Kunststoffe international, 2005-11-21, Fuel Cell for Alternative Propulsion
...In addition, the conversion from chemical to electrical energy is a catalytic (chemical) process which can only be performed by chemically resistant, pure materials. Engineering plastics such as POM (e.g. Hostaform), PPS (e.g. Fortron) and LCP (e.g. Vectra) from Ticona satisfy the relevant specifications on corrosion resistance and purity. They have a very low creep tendency and high strength. They also have long-term resistance to gas and liquid fuels. In addition, PPS and LCP are able to withs...

Kunststoffe international, 2005-11-21, Good Growth Prospects: Ticona Sets its Stakes on Engineering Plastics
... potential also exists for other engineering plastics, like PPS and LCP too", says Hensel. "More than 50% of both plastics are used in the Asia-Pacific region. At the same time, we hold a leading position among the LCP producers with our Vectra", he continued, setting out the opportunities that exist for his company. Opportunity for Growth in Eastern Europe While the growth prospects for the "classical" NAFTA and West European markets are somewhat more cautious, at 4 to 5% ...

Kunststoffe international, 2005-11-21, Growing with the Electronics Market: Liquid-Crystal Polymers (LCP)
... The company has developed the especially low-warpage Zenite 7244L grade by optimising the fillers. This material permits the closest tolerances to be observed, so that the electronic components can be precisely assembled and soldered. With Vectra LCP E820i LDS, Ticona produces a grade that – thanks to special additives – is suitable for laser direct structuring (LDS) and therefore for the production of three-dimensional injection moulded interconnect devices (3D-MID). The material was optimise...

Kunststoffe international, 2005-11-21, High-performance Polymers: Metal Substitution and Miniaturisation
...e reinforced products, the Zenite LCP from DuPont can be found as a coil former and stator encapsulant in the torque engines of Soncboz SA. The mineral-filled E540i is “no typical LCP”, emphasises Ticona. The junior member of the Vectra family has a fine and – unusual for LCP – coloured surface. New colorations and a long-term heat resistance of 240°C have opened the kitchen door for the compound as ovenproof crockery. Ticona is using a typical LCP, on the other hand, for a revolutionary projec...

Kunststoffe international, 2005-11-21, Liquid Crystal Polymers (LCP)
... to constitute a large segment of the LCP market. Leading manufacturers are further refining their products and developing new ones to meet ever-increasing customer demands in this market segment for, e.g., extremely low ion content (Ticona: Vectra T840; DuPont: Zenite 7738), even higher heat resistance (Ticona: T and S series; DuPont 9000 series; Sumitomo: 6000 series) and greater isotropy in properties (Ticona: A460). Increasingly a well-balanced ratio of dielectric constant to loss factor wit...

Kunststoffe international, 2005-11-21, Locally Reinforced Parts: Tailor-made Light
... from the supply conveyor (left); transfer of LFT strand and fabric to the mould (right) LFT-Plastifikate = LFT strand; Vorgewärmtes Twintex Gewebe = Pre-heated Twintex fabric Fig. 10. Partitioning of the engine compartment in the Opel Vectra – a combination of compression and injection moulded part sections PP-Spritzgussteil an PP-GF Pressteile gefügt = Injection moulded PP part joined with compression moulded parts; Filmscharnier = Film hinge

Kunststoffe international, 2005-11-21, Materials with Multiple Functions
...ion transfer is accomplished and the optimal surface properties of PMMA are retained. Durable housing components: The two frames for the battery package of an Ericsson mobile telephone consist of the liquid crystal polymer (LCP; Vectra) from Ticona (Fig.8). They fixate thin metal plates and together form the cover of the battery system. Apart from the stiffness of the material and its ultrasonic weldability, a substantial argument for the use of the LCPs was above all their excellent fluidity [...

Kunststoffe international, 2005-11-21, Medical Technology for the Mass Market
...ht families of engineering plastics in its range which have proved their suitability for the field of medical technology over many years: POM (grade: Hostaform/Celcon), PBT (grade: Celanex), PET (grade: Impet), TPE-E (grade: Riteflex), LCP (grade: Vectra), COC (grade: Topas), PE-UHMW (grade: GUR) and PPS (grade: Fortron). Depending on the particular grade, these plastics fulfil all the decisive requirements for medical technology, such as exceptionally low extractable content, very good chemical...

Kunststoffe international, 2005-11-21, Microsystems: MID Housing for a Flow Sensor System
...g. However, for components with long flow paths and small cross sections or narrow conductive tracks, LCP is the only option. LCP is also noted for its good resistance to a large number of media, which is of major advantage for fluidic applications. Vectra E820iPd LCP was used as the plateable component for the two-shot-MID, and Vectra E130i as the non-plateable component. A better surface quality was obtained with the extremely easy-flowing Vectra D130M (manufacturer in each case: Ticona). Comp...

Kunststoffe international, 2005-11-21, Special Injection Moulding Processes in Practical Application
...ness of and distances between the conductive tracks (approx. 0.25 mm). An LCP/LCP combination (manufacturer: Ticona, Frankfurt) was found to be suitable. It has a particularly good heat resistance and excellent flow properties and, together with Vectra E820iPd, can be directly metallized (palladium particles are compounded into it). Metallizing is carried out by the PCK process directly after injection moulding in a multi-step chemical process. Layers of different thickness and function are depo...

Kunststoffe international, 2005-11-21, Tailored EPDM
...s is possible through adaptation of the metallocene catalyst system and process conditions.EPDM manufactured by metallocene catalysts also has improved processing and product properties for many applications, such as the instrument panel of the Opel Vectra with a thermoformed cover film based on a Nordel IP blend (title photo). Uniform with Low Discoloration Precise control of the Insite technology allows the process to be adapted to the design parameters of the production line. It is therefor...

Kunststoffe international, 2006-12-06, Metal Replacement: Liquid Crystal Polymer in Springform Baking Pan
...to develop applications in the electrical and electronic sector, automotive construction and medical technology that integrate mechanical and electrical properties in a confined space. In a hearing aid manufactured by Phonak AG (Fig.4), the LCP Vectra of Ticona makes it possible to produce very fine structures, integrate conducting electronic components very easily, and achieve modular, stable assembly of the hearing aid mechanism. Erni Elektroapparat GmbH has managed to cut the costs of circui...

Kunststoffe international, 2007-05-14, The Terahertz View
...anical properties. Imaging THz spectroscopy is able to make this preferred direction visible in a non-destructive manner [3]. In this regard, a 3mm thick stator blade for a helicopter produced from a 30 vol.-% glass fibre-reinforced LCP (grade: Vectra B130; manufacturer: Ticona GmbH) was investigated. Fibrils and glass fibres became oriented primarily along the flow lines of the plastics melt during injection moulding, which is shown schematically in Fig.5a as dotted lines. The THz image of the ...

Kunststoffe international, 2007-09-19, Create Progress. Together!
...o over 90,000t/a and capacity for Celstran to more than 35,000t. In February this year, Ticona announced that the company was working on plans for the rapid construction of local compounding facilities and production plants for Vectra LCP and Hostaform POM within the next three to five years. In May, Ticona declared its intention of building a customer application development center in Shanghai, also scheduled for completion in 2008. This will become part of a global support network, which inclu...

Kunststoffe international, 2007-09-19, For High-End Applications
...views a selection of new developments and improvements to existing materials. From Baking Pans to Multifilament Yarns To go "further" and open up new areas of application is what Ticona GmbH of Kelsterbach, Germany, would like to do with Vectra LCP and Fortron PPS. Having proven its credentials in housings and lamp bases, Vectra LCP is now performing excellent service in LED lamps. This liquid crystalline polymer is modified with a halogen-free flame retardant, has good dimensional sta...

Kunststoffe international, 2007-10-21, Liquid Crystal Polymers (LCPs)
...y in the USA and Japan. Ticona/Polyplastics is the leading LCP producer with plants capable of producing 8,400t/a in Shelby, North Carolina, USA (2005) and 4,800t/a in Fuji, Japan (2005). The material, polymerized in Shelby and sold under the name Vectra, is intended for North America and Europe. The Asian market is covered by Polyplastics, a joint venture run by Ticona and Daicel Chemical Industries. Sumitomo Chemical from Osaka produces a total of 5,000t/a in Harima and Niihama, Japan. Number ...

Kunststoffe international, 2007-12-17, From Miniaturization through to Furniture Design
...es and forms virtually no compounds that could contaminate the urea mixture. The innovation is intended for tanks, pumps and connection pipes. The light source of the future for vehicle lights is the LED, and one of its housing materials is Vectra LCP. The complex geometries and tight tolerances of the LED package, at just 2 to 7mm2, can be achieved thanks to the good flow properties of this polymer made by Ticona GmbH, Kelsterbach, Germany. It withstands heat in excess of 300°C, can be produced...

Kunststoffe international, 2008-06-16, Sensor-Equipped Automobile "Thinks" Along with Driver
...ing two 24-GHz radar sensors, the lane-change assistance system from Hella KGaA, Lippstadt, Germany, is able to detect other motorists behind and next to an automobile and warn the driver in advance. A cover made from the liquid crystal polymer Vectra (Fig.1) protects the sensitive sensors and helps these electronic aids function reliably. After processing, the liquid crystal polymer is dimensionally stable and resists warping. As a consequence, the radar beams that are so important for the sens...

Kunststoffe international, 2008-06-16, We're Moving towards Specialties
...g the requirements for pedestrian protection. It is made out of Ultramid B3WG6 CR, a 30% glass fiber-reinforced BASF polyamide 6, which was specially developed for crash relevant components Fig. 8. The torque rod support for the current Opel Vectra from Continental (ContiTech Vibration Control) and BASF is made out of the special polyamide Ultramid A3WG10 CR (PA 66) and is the first high load engine mount in polymer (the picture also shows the previous model in aluminum). The component can be fo...

Kunststoffe international, 2008-07-15, Metal as the Virtual Benchmark
...n the inside, and also opposite the weld line. Torque Rod Support from Conti-Tech Vibration Control for Opel A further example of a mechanical strength layout using the Integrative Simulation tool developed by BASF is the engine bearing for the Opel Vectra that has been in serial production since 2006. In this case, it has proved possible to replace an aluminum part in the engine compartment by a plastic part and thus save a considerable amount of weight, especially in the front axle zone. The p...

Kunststoffe international, 2008-10-17, Liquid Crystal Polymers (LCPs)
... customer requirements. The customary further processing of LCP to form compounds suitable for injection molding increases the range of possible modifications. An example takes the form of surfaces having a metallic look: using the so-called “Vectra liquid Chrome” from Ticona metallic surfaces are produced directly during injection molding. Automobiles: No Longer without LCP The high heat resistance of LCPs coupled with their good chemical resistance meet very well the prerequisites for automobi...

Kunststoffe international, 2009-04-16, Eco-friendly – for Safety’s Sake
... greater focus on sustainable developments. Companies that wish to exist on the market in the long term must promote and implement these. Efficient recycling is one prerequisite for greater sustainability. Resins such as the recyclable Vectra LCP contribute to resource-conserving manufacturing and reuse. When using Vectra LCP, up to 50 % regrind can be employed. Since manufacturers are obligated by the EU Directive Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment 2002/96/EG, abbreviated WEEE, and its l...

Kunststoffe international, 2010-04-20, Future Technologies for Mechatronic Products
...artially aromatic polyamide): Ultramid T4381 LDS (BASF, Ludwigshafen, Germany), (PET+PBT) blend (polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate): Pocan DP T 7140 LDS (Lanxess, Leverkusen, Germany), and LCP (liquid crystal polymer): Vectra E840i LDS (Ticona, Kelsterbach, Germany). Apart from these, other materials exist for the LPKF-LDS process, which cannot be used for the usual soldering processes employed in electronic manufacturing because of their thermal resistance. Here, the use of...

Kunststoffe international, 2010-09-24, Facilitating Technical Life
...al environmental guidelines and meet up to the sector”s requirements – either through halogen-free flame retardants, such as for Celanex XFR PBT and Riteflex XFR TPC-ET, or through the inherent flame resistance of Fortron PPS, Vectra LCP or Zenite LCP. Typical fields of application are switches, plug connectors, housings, television sets and mobile phones. Hall 6, booth A07 and B07 DuPont Focus on Sustainability DuPont de Nemours GmbH, NeuIsenburg, Germany, is presenting advanced alternatives to...

Kunststoffe international, 2011-10-17, Liquid Crystal Polymers (LCP)
...pplier market for LCPs is very well-defined. The largest manufacturers are Sumitomo Chemical Industry Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, with Sumikasuper, Solvay S.A., Brussels, Belgium, with Xydar and Celanese Corp. with Ticona GmbH, Sulzbach, Germany, with Vectra and Zenite and Polyplastics Co., Ltd. with Vectra. A wide variety of different LCP grades is offered for a multitude of applications in the electrical and electronics sectors as well as automotive, aircraft and aerospace industries. For 2013, a worl...

Kunststoffe international, 2013-08-19, Overcoming Complexity with Tailored Solutions
... challenge for the electronics industry. Innovative materials and technologies are required. That is why industry partners Ticona GmbH, Sulzbach, Germany, and Delo Industrial Adhesives GmbH & Co. KGaA, Windach, Germany, are now combining Vectra and Zenite LCP (liquid crystal polymer) grades with specially tailored adhesives to create new solution packages that can withstand the high temperatures of reflow soldering. These combined packages are helping the electronics industry successfully mi...

Kunststoffe international, 2014-10-10, Liquid Crystal Polymers (LCP)
...been stable in recent years. The major producers are Sumitomo Chemical Industry Ltd. in Tokyo, Japan, with their Sumikasuper brand; Solvay S.A. in Brussels, Belgium, with Xydar and Celanese Engineered Materials in Sulzbach, Germany, with their Vectra and Zenite brands, as well as Polyplastics Co., Ltd. in Tokyo, with Laperos. A wide range of different types of this high-performance plastic material is available to fit the needs of all major markets such as electrical and electronics, automotive ...

Kunststoffe international, 2015-07-20, Three-Dimensional and with a Fine Structure
...on the production of finer filler particles, heat-conducting materials or systems and qualification of alternative high-performance grades as technologically and economically interesting alternatives to the proven LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer) grade Vectra E840i LDS from Celanese GmbH, Sulzbach, Germany. Besides thermoplastic materials, new developments in the field of injection moldable thermosets are being evaluated.The TechnologyThe potential benefit of MID technology can be achieved through t...