Ultra-Thin consumer electronics get tougher
Canadian Plastics
Smaller, sleeker, and lighter -- these goals are the Holy Trinity for designers seeking to create the latest products for the consumer electronics market. But, given that consumer electronic devices h...
Smaller, sleeker, and lighter — these goals are the Holy Trinity for designers seeking to create the latest products for the consumer electronics market. But, given that consumer electronic devices have to stand up to the abuses of everyday life despite being thinner and potentially less rigid, they’re also the goals that lead to extensive manufacturing challenges.
Many electronics manufacturers are solving these problems with devices that are plastic-metal hybrids, made through the process of metal insert molding — and Bayer MaterialScience (BMS) recently introduced its new Makroblend UT5205 polycarbonate/polyester resin for just such applications.
Designed to be used in the production of plastic-metal hybrid parts, Makroblend UT5205 is formulated to reduce the stresses inherent in metal insert molding during the molding process, as well as in everyday heating and cooling cycles, to ensure the finished part can withstand typical day-to-day abuses.
“Everyday substances that ultra-thin cell phones or MP3 players could come into contact with during a day at the beach, like sun block, are comprised of substances that break down plastic,” said Nick Sunderland, senior associate scientist with BMS. “So we developed Makroblend UT5205 with good chemical resistance so the consumer can focus on having fun.”
Bayer Inc. -Bayer MaterialScience LLC (Toronto);
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