One of the more common materials used is Formex®, a flame retardant electrical insulating material that provides a superior barrier when used as a protective part or enclosure for industrial and consumer electronics equipment.
Polypropylene and polycarbonate materials like Formex® meet global safety standards for flame class rating, shield electricity and/or are static dissipative, are non-hygroscopic, and maintain their mechanical and electrical properties through chemical resistance. Such materials can be fabricated into a wide range of shapes to meet flammability, electrical surge shielding, and dielectric needs in a variety of protection and enclosure parts.
UL-rated Formex is not the only material used to create protective parts and enclosures.
Polypropylene and polycarbonate products like Formex meet global safety standards for flame class rating and environmental, are non-hygroscopic (i.e., ultra low moisture absorption), maintain mechanical and electrical properties through chemical resistance, shield electricity, will not crack or split when scored or folded, and offer lower overall parts cost with thinner material stock. Versions of this product are also static dissipative. All can be fabricated into a wide range of shapes to meet the flammability, electrical surge shielding, and dielectric needs in a variety of protection and enclosure parts.
Other RoHS and REACH compliant materials worthy of consideration include:
- Kydex ®, a thermoplastic acrylic and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material that comes in myriad colors and can be formed into a variety of protection parts and enclosures. It is a tough and durable plastic that is commonly used in aircraft interior parts and medical equipment because of its ability to meet demanding specifications for fire retardancy, smoke, and toxicity.
- Lexan ™, a polycarbonate resin thermoplastic that handles temperatures up to 240 F and can undergo significant deformation without cracking or breaking – all the while maintaining an impact strength 250 x glass and 30x acrylic. This product comes in optically clear versions as well, and is often used to create lightweight and durable parts for aerospace, transportation, electronics, telecom, and industrial machine industries.
These materials can be converted into your build-to-print part using KLINGER IGI's precision cutting and routing equipment. Give us a call to explore the best materials you might use for creating your next product that demands protection from electricity, static, environmental conditions, and more.
Formex ® is a registered trademark of ITW Formex
Kydex ® is a registered trademark of Sekisui SPI
Lexan ™ is a trademark of Sabic