Panasonic introduces new materials for on-board switches and sensors

Panasonic Automotive Electronics and Electromechanical Systems will begin mass production of "polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) resin molding materials for laser cladding" for sealing and bonding applications in March 2016. According to reports, the use of this material can reduce the production process of switches and sensors for in-vehicle equipment, and improve long-term reliability and design freedom.

In order to commercialize the material, the company has developed an "alloying technology" that uses high-efficiency transmission, absorption of laser light, and instant melting to make island structures (a kind of polymer phase containing various components). Disperse evenly. This is a technology for mixing a variety of polymers and realizing new characteristics, and various alloying techniques can be used to achieve desired characteristics. With this, the product achieves a laser transmittance of up to 72%, enabling high-intensity welding with laser welding with low output power. After 1000 hours of high temperature and high humidity test in a temperature of 85 ° C and a humidity of 85% Rh, and after performing a thermal cycle test at -40 ° C to +100 ° C, even if air pressure of 3 atmospheres is applied in water, There is no air leakage. Moreover, the use of the new material can eliminate the need for the coating process and the drying process, and eliminate the need for rubber pads and the like, thereby shortening the lead time.

In addition, Panasonic has also developed a material modification technology that allows glass fibers to be randomly aligned to suppress warp. The amount of warpage of the molded product has dropped to less than 0.5 mm, which is only 1/4 of the company's previous products. Since the welding strength of the surface of the laser cladding member becomes uniform, not only the variation in water repellency and airtightness of the mass-produced molded article can be reduced, but also an asymmetrical shape and unevenness which are difficult to achieve by other processing methods can be satisfied. Processing requirements.

Further, a resin upgrading technique for preventing a hydrolysis reaction has been developed. Supports parts from 7mm to 100mm. The new material is water and chemical resistant, and has a heat distortion temperature of 200 ° C, so it can also be used in the engine room. After 1000 hours of high temperature and high humidity test in a temperature of 85 ° C and a humidity of 85% Rh, the tensile strength retention rate reached 94%, which was much higher than 50% of the company's previous products.