Long-life performance is a key requirement for many electrical applications. Circuit breaker housings, for example, can have very demanding service life requirements of up to thirty years. In addition to longevity, design engineers in this competitive worldwide marketplace must address pressures to reduce the cost of these devices.

Solvay Advanced Polymers offers a broad array of high performance engineering polymers for the electrical industry that can meet these high demands.

AMODEL polyphthalamide (PPA) can be used to replace die cast metal parts, such as end caps and brush holders, in electric motors, as well as handle the high temperature requirements of circuit breakers, contactors and relays. Offered in both flame retardant and non-flame retardant grades, AMODEL PPA can be molded into very complex designs which allow consolidation of parts and elimination of post machining operations. This can reduce the final part cost as well as provide the mechanical strength and stiffness at the temperature required for the application.

Also in the semi-crystalline family, IXEF polyarylamide can be used in traditional metal applications such as motor shafts. IXEF 1022 is a 50% glass reinforced product that has the high flow necessary to fill the shaft from one end, eliminating the weld line and providing a straight part with the stiffness required for the application.

Metal replacement can also be accomplished using TORLON polyamide-imide ultra-performance resin. TORLON 4275 and 4301 resins can be used to replace bronze in bushings, yielding higher durability, lower noise, higher efficiency, and potentially lower overall part cost.

XYDAR liquid crystal polymer, which features a continuous use temperature of 240°C, can replace thermoset resins in many commutator applications. The fast cycle time and easy processing of XYDAR resin can translate into cost savings for your processing operations.

For extruded wire-coating applications, RADEL R-5800 NT 25 polyphenylsulfone is a 180°C thermal class-rated material that has a successful history of use as magnet wire insulation for heavy duty motors and liquid filled transformers. This extrusion grade can be applied to a wire in a very thin coating, providing a space-saving advantage over paper.

Solvay Advanced Polymers has sales and technical service support personnel located around the world to assist you in determining the best material to meet the demands of your electrical application.