A new halogen-free PA66 compound has been developed in LATI’s laboratories for reduced-thickness electrical components and designed to ensure high self-extinguishing performance
The miniaturization of electrical components, increasing power density and the growing integration of electronic functions are creating new challenges for designers in the appliance, electrical and electronics sectors. Connectors, terminal blocks, power distribution systems, battery components and internal parts of household appliances must ensure electrical insulation and fire safety, while operating at high temperatures and in increasingly confined spaces.
To meet these requirements, LATI has developed LATAMID 66 H2 G/25-GWHF1, a PA66 polyamide reinforced with 25% glass fiber and formulated with a fully halogen- and red-phosphorus-free self-extinguishing system. The material represents a further improved version of LATAMID 66 H2 G/25-V0HF1X, combining fire safety, electrical properties, dimensional stability and processability.
The main technical features
- UL94 V0 classification down to 0.4 mm;
- CTI 550 V
- HWI PLC0
- HAI PLC0
- Ball Pressure Test at 230°C
- Stable performance across different thicknesses and technical colors
One of the most relevant aspects of the compound concerns its performance in Glow Wire tests. These tests simulate accidental contact between a plastic component and overheated or incandescent metal parts, evaluating resistance to ignition and flame propagation.
LATAMID 66 H2 G/25-GWHF1 achieves GWFI values of 960°C and GWIT of 775°C, VDE– and UL-certified at thicknesses ranging from 0.4 to 3 mm and for all available technical colors. The combination of VDE-certified Glow Wire performance and UL94 V0 classification at reduced thicknesses makes the material particularly suitable for applications subject to the requirements of IEC 60335.
«Miniaturization is reducing component thicknesses and bringing conductive elements, electronic systems and heat sources increasingly closer together. In this context, designers need materials capable of maintaining reliable self-extinguishing and electrical performance even in very thin sections. LATAMID 66 H2 G/25-GWHF1 was developed to provide this balance, combining VDE- and UL-certified Glow Wire performance, UL94 V0 classification at 0.4 mm and a formulation that is completely free of halogens», comments Luca Posca, Group Technical Assistance & Marketing Director at LATI.
The independent VDE certification provides designers, OEMs and quality managers with technical data verified according to internationally recognized procedures, supporting material qualification, component validation and compliance with safety standards.
LATAMID 66 H2 G/25-GWHF1, suitable for a wide range of applications
• Electrical connectors and terminal blocks, including demanding environments such as data centers
• Internal components for household appliances
• Power and energy management systems
• Charging devices
• Battery components and energy storage systems
• Electrical parts subject to the requirements of IEC 60335
The ability to maintain high performance even at reduced thicknesses makes the compound particularly interesting for next-generation projects focused on component miniaturization.
Also fundamental is the UL certification allowing the use of up to 50% regrind material, twice the amount normally permitted while maintaining safety.
The new material confirms LATI’s commitment to developing engineering polymers capable of combining fire safety, electrical insulation, regulatory compliance and industrial processability, without the use of halogens or red phosphorus.
