Update | electrical and electronics Mid sensor uses laser lcPs
Germany-based moulded interconnect device (Mid) specialist 2e Mechatronic used the latest laser direct structuring (ldS) grade of Vectra liquid crystal polymer from ticona to develop a new air flow sensor for use in air conditioning systems. the 12mm by 10mm by 6mm sensor is injection moulded by 2e Mechatronic in ticona’s 40% mineral-filled Vectra e8401ldS grade, which contains a laser sensitive additive designed for use with the ldS system developed by German company lPKF laser & electronics. in the lPKF process a laser
is used to selectively activate the surface of the moulding to create etched receptive areas that can be electroplated to create metal circuits. the process provides a flexible and relatively low cost means of manufacturing complex shaped Mids, especially in low volume applications.
ability to withstand reflow soldering processes. the new grade has also
been used by 2e Me-
chatronic to produce a laser structured Mid for led
Aside from
2e Mechatronic, other partners in the sensor development included relay and switch maker Gruner, micro-sensor specialist MicroMountains Applications and the HSG research institute. ticona’s Vectra e8401ldS is optimised for manufacture of Mids using the lPKF ldS process, providing more isotropic properties than typical glass-reinforced lcPs. other features of the grade include inherent Ul94 V-0 flame retardance, high dimensional stability, low moisture absorption, and the
lighting in a dental lamp application, while Harting Mitronics has used it in a camera module Mid for Sick’s V300 work Station camera. l lPKF recently announced a new addition to its laser structuring machine range. the Fusion 3d 1500 is designed for production of components such as 3d antennae for laptops and tablet Pcs, providing a 30% larger scanning field of 160mm by 160mm by 80mm and dual shuttle loading. the company says ldS technology is already proven in production of 3d smart phone antennae, with several hundred million produced to date using the technique. ❙
www.2e-mechatronic.de ❙
www.ticona.com ❙
www.lpkf.com
MacroPower makes cable ties for KS
taiwan’s KS terminals ordered 10 MacroPower 800 injection machines from wittmann Battenfeld late last year for production of cable ties. the company, which already operated a MacroPower 800 model in cable tie production as well as tM express 450, Plus 35 and MicroPower 15 machines from the same manufacturer, supplies its cable ties for lighting industry applications to customers around the world. wittmann Battenfeld says KS terminals selected the
MacroPower 800 model for its combination of speed and its even clamp force distribution, which it says results from its central application of clamp pressure. ❙
www.wittmann-group.com
www.injectionworld.com
Molex opts for green plastics
Global connector manufac- turer Molex has obtained Ul environment ecV certifica- tion for its Stac64-e automo- tive electronics connector, which is manufactured from a renewable bioplastic. Molex has not disclosed the specific polymer it is using or the supplier. However, it says the polymer contains 71% bio-based content (tested to AStM d6866-11) and is produced from castor oil. the company says the connector – a 20- circuit, dual row harness type designed for unsealed connector automotive applications in harsh environments – provides car makers with an alternative to petroleum-based connector resins without sacrificing performance or quality characteristics. “Global focus on the
conservation of energy and natural resources has raised the bar on automotive manufacturers. the automo- tive industry plays a pivotal role in advancing sustainabil- ity initiatives beyond bringing consumers worldwide more choices in energy efficient gas, electric and hybrid vehicles,” says Mark rettig, global marketing director at Molex. “A logical progression in this trend is connectors developed from renewable and plant-based resin.“ Molex says it intends to
extend its durable bioplastic- based connector offerings. ❙
www.molex.com
April 2012 | injection world 35
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