In Shenzhen today, the number of new energy vehicles is increasing, offering environmental benefits and energy savings. On the streets, you can see various brands like BYD and Tesla. However, during the production of new energy vehicles, a commonly used automotive part is the high-voltage connector. When manufacturing automotive connector injection molding parts, there is always a need for plastic materials. This article will discuss the common plastic materials used in automotive connector production and the requirements they must meet. In terms of materials, the most commonly used plastic raw materials for connectors include PBT, 66, 6T, 9T, LCP, and so on. These materials differ in quality, temperature resistance, and price, which naturally affects the connector's price.
PBT Plastic Materials
PBT plastic materials are commonly used in the production of 2.54mm pitch 180/90 degree header connectors. The plastic terminal shells have a soldering temperature tolerance of around 200 degrees. Due to their relatively low cost, high strength, and resistance to friction, many customers still choose this material. However, it has poor molding properties, significant shrinkage, and during wave soldering, plastic melting may occur due to its lower melting point.
2. Nylon-66
A thermoplastic resin, a white solid with a density of 1.14 and a melting point of 253°C, is insoluble in general solvents but dissolves in m-xylene, etc. It boasts high mechanical strength and hardness, with significant rigidity, making it suitable for engineering plastics. The Rockwell hardness ranges from 108 to 118, and its thermal deformation temperature (at 1814.11 Pa, 18.5 kgf/cm²) is between 66-86°C. It is used for mechanical accessories such as gears and lubricating bearings; as a substitute for colored metal materials for machine casings, automotive engine blades, etc. It can also be used in the production of synthetic fibers.
3. 6T Plastic Materials
Automotive connector manufacturers indicate that this material is typically used in 2.54mm pitch SMT headers and in the 1.27mm/2.0mm pitch series headers. The welding temperature resistance ranges from 260 to 290 degrees Celsius, making the cost of headers produced with this material slightly higher. The choice of this material is generally due to the customer's quality requirements for the product.
4. 9T Plastic Materials
Connectors utilizing these materials are predominantly of the 2.54mm pitch SMT headers and the 1.27mm/2.0mm pitch series headers. They can withstand焊接 temperatures of approximately 260-300 degrees Celsius. Due to the high cost of the material, the use of 9T plastic material for connector production is generally reserved for customer-specific requirements.
5. LCP Plastic Materials
In the production of automotive connectors for various spacing series, the welding temperature resistance ranges between 260°C and 320°C. This material boasts a low coefficient of linear expansion, low shrinkage during injection molding, good strength and modulus of elasticity, excellent heat resistance, and high load deformation temperature. It also features outstanding resistance to chemicals and airtightness. Consequently, LCP material is particularly favored for general connectors that require SMT.
However, correspondingly, the cost of producing connector products with such materials is higher, as the material itself is expensive. Additionally, the craftsmanship of the automotive connector manufacturer must be compatible. Therefore, this material is typically used only by special clients with specific requirements.
