PA-BASF Ultramid A3U42G6
Meeting strict WEEE and RoHS directives in heavy-duty smart-grid electronics without using halogenated flame retardants or antimony requires a highly specialized material, which BASF’s Ultramid A3U42G6 delivers. This 30% glass fiber reinforced (PA66+PA6)-GF30 FR(40) copolyamide achieves an outstanding UL 94 V-0 flammability rating at a thin-walled 0.4mm and a 5VA rating at 1.6mm. Jucheng Precision, under ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 frameworks, specializes in precision injection molding of Ultramid A3U42G6. Utilizing our 5-axis CNC-machined S136 stainless steel molds, we control its anisotropic shrinkage (0.3% parallel, 0.9% normal) and eliminate corrosive gas burn defects, ensuring zero-defect components verified by Zeiss CMM.
Ultramid A3U42G6 Halogen-Free Safety & Physical Modulus
Ultramid® A3U42G6 is an unreinforced, 30% glass fiber reinforced, halogen- and antimony-free polyamide 66/6 copolymer resin engineered by BASF, formulated to provide ultimate electrical insulation and fire safety under UL 94 standards:
| Flammability & Performance Standard | Ultramid A3U42G6 Specification | Molding & Electrical Safety Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Thin-Wall Flammability | UL 94 V-0 Rated at 0.40 mm | Achieves self-extinguishing safety in ultra-thin micro-connector geometries, preventing localized ignition and thermal propagation. |
| Extreme Rigidity | Tensile Modulus 10,800 MPa (DAM) | Provides exceptional, metal-matching modulus and creep resistance, preventing structural deformation in heavy-duty components. |
| Aviation & Heavy Safety | UL 94 5VA Rated at 1.60 mm | Resists heavy open bar flames without structural burn-through. Essential for high-voltage power distribution boxes. |
Structural Component Process Configurations for Eco-FR Ultramid A3U42G6
With its high-flow melt performance and linear matrix, Ultramid A3U42G6 processes consistently inside complex mold geometries:
| Molding Process Category | Process Compatibility & Operational Details |
|---|---|
| Microelectronic SMT Connectors | Excellent. The primary process for Ultramid A3U42G6. Optimized for multi-cavity, ultra-thin-walled connector grids, chip carriers, and relays. |
| Heavy-Duty Circuit Breakers | Excellent. Low linear thermal expansion and standard easy-release characteristics allow automatic, high-efficiency ejection of multi-cavity microelectronics. |
| EV Battery Fuse Boxes | Good. Outstanding dimensional stability, low outgassing, and excellent high-temperature creep resistance prevent structural distortion. |
Halogen-Free Molding & Cavity Matrix
Molding an amorphous high-flow TPV like Santoprene 121-67W175 requires strict control of parting lines to prevent flashing, alongside conformal cooling channels:
S136 Anti-Acidic Mold Cavities
At high melt temperatures, halogen-free flame retardants in A3U42G6 can degrade slightly and release acidic outgassing. Jucheng’s tooling division prevents cavity pitting by using premium S136 stainless steel hardened to 48–52 HRC, combined with deep venting channels (0.015mm) on parting lines.
Abrasive Wear Prevention (HRC 50–52 Tooling)
30% short glass fibers act as an abrasive medium under high injection speeds. Jucheng’s tooling division prevents cavity erosion by constructing molds with premium hardened tool steel (H13) heat-treated to 50–52 HRC and mirror-polished, ensuring long-term parting line precision and flash-free parts.
Melt & Mold Temperature Control Matrix
Processing barrel temperatures are maintained between 280°C and 300°C (536°F to 572°F) to ensure homogeneous melting. Mold temperatures are kept at 80°C to 90°C (176°F to 194°F) using pressurized water heaters to maximize mechanical toughness and gloss.
Desiccant Drying Protocol (Hydrolysis Prevention)
Nylon 66 is highly sensitive to moisture at high melt temperatures. Wet molding results in rapid hydrolytic chain cleavage, causing severe splay, gas bubbles, and a major drop in impact strength. We desiccant dry Ultramid A3U42G6 resin at 80°C (176°F) for 4 hours, keeping moisture below 0.15%.
Key Application Fields for PA-BASF Ultramid A3U42G6
- Smart-Grids & Electrical Infrastructure: Industrial circuit breakers, heavy-duty relay sockets, terminal blocks, smart power meters, and din-rail covers.
- EV Batteries & Automotive (IATF 16949): Electric vehicle lithium-ion battery brackets, cell holders, electrical fuse box covers, high-voltage busbar isolators, and wire harness shields.
- Telecom & Consumer Electronics: High-safety Wi-Fi router casings, adapter housings, power tool housings, and set-top boxes.
Properties
| Density | 1.44 g/cm³ |
| Melt Volume-Flow Rate (MVR) (275°C/5.0kg) | 20 cm³/10min |
| Tensile Modulus (DAM) | 10,800 MPa |
| Tensile Modulus (Conditioned) | 7,400 MPa |
| Tensile Stress at Break (DAM) | 130 MPa |
| Tensile Stress at Break (Conditioned) | 90 MPa |
| Tensile Elongation at Break (DAM) | 3 % |
| Flexural Modulus (DAM) | 11,000 MPa |
| Flexural Modulus (Conditioned) | 7,500 MPa |
| Charpy Notched Impact Strength (23°C, DAM) | 8 kJ/m² |
| Charpy Unnotched Impact Strength (23°C, DAM) | 60 kJ/m² |
| Melting Temperature (DSC) | 260 °C |
| Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT @ 1.80 MPa) | 230 °C |
| Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT @ 0.45 MPa) | 250 °C |
| Linear Mold Shrinkage (Parallel) | 0.3 % |
| Linear Mold Shrinkage (Normal) | 0.9 % |
| Flammability Rating (0.40mm - 3.00mm) | UL 94 V-0 Class |
| Flammability Rating (1.60mm) | UL 94 5VA Class |
| Maximum Part Size | 1000 x 800 mm |
| Minimum Part Size | 1 x 1 mm |