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Applications | electrical and electronics


Smart thinking in electronics


Reducing cost and improving reliability are two key aims for manufacturers of electrical and electronic equip- ment, which is increasingly being called upon to operate in severe and demanding environments. New polymer developments and sophisticated automated manufac- turing processes – such as laser welding and over- moulding – are helping manufacturers to achieve both. German motor developer Precision Motors Deutsche Minebea (PM DM) is using a laser transparent grade of Ultradur PBT from BASF to manufacture laser-welded housings for a range of air fl ap actuators its supplies for automotive applications. The actuators – which include a motor, gear system and an electronic control unit – are used to move fl aps on the cooling systems of cars to reduce air intake at high speed to save fuel. The company developed the actuators in conjunction


with automotive components group Röchling Automo- tive, which integrates them into a range of air fl ap systems it supplies to car makers. The 20% glass reinforced Ultradur Lux B4300 G4 grade provides the required stiffness and dimensional stability for this application, together with high transparency to near-IR laser light in the range from 800-1,100nm, typically


www.injectionworld.com


New polymer grades and innovative plastics manufacturing techniques are being adopted to improve


reliability and cut cost in a wide range of E&E applications.


used for laser welding of polymers. According to BASF, the improved transparency means the Lux grade can be welded faster than other commercial PBT grades. The company says the B4300 G4 grade also provides a wider processing window, which improves welding reliability and minimises risk of thermal damage to the polymer. Meanwhile, TPE manufacturer Kraiburg developed a


special grade of its Thermolast K TPE for power tool manufacturer Bosch, enabling it to replace a rubber O-ring seal in its latest cordless hammer drill with a moulded-in alternative that simplifi es assembly and


September 2012 | INJECTION WORLD 15


2E-Mechatronic makes these LEDs on Arburg moulding


machines using laser direct structuring technology


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