Zenite® LCP Solves Bow Issues in Molding Tiger Eye(TM) Series TEM Terminal Strip from Samtec Inc.
Florence, Ky., Sulzbach, Germany, Shanghai, PR China – Zenite® from Ticona, the engineering polymers business of Celanese Corporation, is the only liquid crystal polymer (LCP) to deliver the required ultra-flatness for the Tiger Eye™ Series TEM terminal strip from Samtec Inc., a worldwide manufacturer of electronic interconnects.
“The only LCP material we’ve found to meet our flatness specifications for the Tiger Eye Series TEM is Zenite ZE55201 from Ticona,” said Doug McCartin, HUB engineering manager at Samtec. “Our molder, Plastikos Inc., tried every possible LCP but each resulted in a bow issue due to the part geometry variations.”
Well suited for low-profile connectors, which require better balanced shrinkage to avoid warpage, 50 percent mineral/glass fiber reinforced Zenite ZE55201 is the material of choice for Samtec in this TEM terminal strip because it is designed for applications requiring ultra-flatness. Lead-free solderable, high flow and low warpage, Zenite ZE55201 is part of the Vectra® / Zenite family of halogen-free, high-performance polymers from Ticona - the world’s largest LCP product line.
“No other LCP in the industry delivers a combination of flatness and flowability, which is critical for complex parts with very stringent specifications, especially those found in thin-wall connectors,” said Ruth Castillo, Vectra and Zenite LCP global business director - Ticona.
The Tiger Eye TEM is an industry standard. It meets the need for reliable micro-pitch, rugged interconnects thanks to the right combination of high-performance engineering thermoplastics and base metals, along with pin design, geometry and assembly process.
The Tiger Eye contact family is one of Samtec’s flagship brands and incorporates three or four finger contacts made from beryllium copper, which is preferred for micro-pitch connectors where the contact beam is very short and normal force must be maximized. The TEM terminal strip uses Zenite ZE55201 injected molded insulators that precisely hold the contacts in place. These contacts are used in a variety of applications, including industrial automation, process control, miniature/handheld devices, diagnostic equipment, communications, energy, security and surveillance.
Part of a family of high-performance engineering thermoplastics including special LCPs that meet challenging application requirements for higher temperature, mechanical strength, flatness, Zenite ZE55201 is an excellent choice for a broad range of applications thanks to its product profile:
• High temperature resistance, allowing lead-free soldering and applications requiring a heat deflection temperature (HDT) of 270 degrees Celsius (518 degrees Fahrenheit)
• High flow for fast cycle times, making it suitable to fill thin, complicated flow paths
• UL 94 V-0 listed at 0.8 millimeters thickness in black
• Inherently flame resistant without additives
• Halogen-free
• Recyclable - regrind usage up to 25 percent with UL approval
About Celanese and Ticona
Celanese Corporation is a global technology leader in the production of differentiated chemistry solutions and specialty materials used in most major industries and consumer applications. With sales almost equally divided between North America, Europe and Asia, the company uses the full breadth of its global chemistry, technology and business expertise to create value for customers and the corporation. Celanese partners with customers to solve their most critical needs while making a positive impact on its communities and the world. Based in Dallas, Texas, Celanese employs approximately 7,600 employees worldwide and had 2012 net sales of $6.4 billion. For more information about Celanese Corporation and its product offerings, visit www.celanese.com or our blog at www.celaneseblog.com
Ticona, the engineering polymers business of Celanese Corporation, is part of the Advanced Engineered Materials segment with net sales of $1,261 million in fiscal 2012. It produces and markets a broad range of high performance products, and employs more than 1,500 individuals at production, compounding and research facilities in the USA, Germany, Brazil and China. For more information, please visit www.ticona.com  or www.ticona.cn (Chinese language).
About Samtec
Samtec, Inc., designs, manufactures, and markets signal integrity, rugged/power, and micro pitch interconnect solutions for board-to-board, cable-to-board, and panel and I/O applications. Samtec, the recognized service leader in the electronic interconnect industry, is a privately held company with headquarters in New Albany, IN (USA), with approximately $514 million in worldwide sales for 2012. Samtec products are used in a variety of industries including telecommunications, computers and peripherals, medical, industrial, and test and measurement, among others. Samtec is ISO/TS 16949:2002, ISO 9001:2000, and ISO 14001:2004 registered with 19 locations worldwide. The Samtec website is www.samtec.com.
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