Akron, OH-
In conjunction with the evolution of their LIMS™ (Liquid Injection Molding System) silicones line,
Shin-Etsu Silicones of America, Inc. (U.S. subsidiary of Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd., Japan) has recently introduced its KE2014-KE2018 Series Automotive LIMS products for advanced automotive applications. The series is formulated to deliver low compression set as-molded; eliminating the costly time and energy requirements of post-cure processes.
In addition to delivering NPC (no post cure) advantages, the high-strength series also provides low compression set (<25%), excellent heat stability (tested at 225C), and oil resistance (tested at 150C) properties over a wide range of durometers for optimal automotive design performance. Given these advancements, the KE2014-KE2018 Series is ideal for automotive gaskets, electrical connector seals, wire seals, headlamp o-rings, and grommets.
Shin-Etsu’s Automotive LIMS products all feature High Strength, High Elongation and Low Compression Set properties with No Post Cure, yet each has unique characteristics to meet specific application requirements:
KE2014 Self-Lubricating 20-60 Shore A Hardness
Offers self-lubrication to improve environmental sealing and reduce insertion force for electrical connector seals.
KE2015: Heat Stability, Oil Resistance, Low Compression-Set 30-70 Hardness
This series delivers outstanding heat & oil resistance and low compression-set properties. It is ideal for engine gaskets and seals that will be exposed to high temperatures and/or oil. The low compression set and heat resistance qualities may also benefit consumer products applications such as living hinges that can experience high temperatures during warehouse storage.
KE2017: Self-Lubricating & Low Volatile 10-60 Hardness
In addition to being self-lubricating, these products also feature an extremely low concentration of low molecular-weight, volatile siloxanes. These volatile siloxanes (D3-D10) can contribute to contact failure in electrical & electronic components. All products in this series contain less than 200ppm volatile siloxanes, as-molded. This eliminates the need for post curing to reduce the volatile content in molded products.
KE2018: Self Lubricating, Select-Hesive™, & Low Volatile 30-60 Hardness
KE2018 delivers all the benefits of KE2017 above, but also offer Select-Hesion™ to various engineering thermoplastics such as PC, PBT, and PPO. The products will selectively bond to thermoplastic substrates without sticking to metal tooling. This eliminates the need for expensive release coatings which are not durable and mold releases.
According to Eric Bishop, North America Marketing Manager for Shin-Etsu, “We’re extremely proud to launch this Automotive LIMS line-up. All of these products eliminate the need for costly post-curing by delivering low compression set, as-molded. Additionally, the family of products includes a combination of characteristics including Self-Lubrication, Select-Hesion™, and Low Volatiles. Our goal is to offer designers a portfolio of LIMS products that will meet all of their automotive requirements.”
Complete physical properties for the KE2014-KE2018 Series are available in Shin-Etsu’s New Automotive LIMS Selection Guide which will be released at the company’s Liquid Silicone Injection Molding Symposium on May, 1st 2007 (8:00-4:00pm EDT) at the Sheraton Suites in Cuyahoga Falls, OH.
CORPORATE PROFILE: A U.S. subsidiary of Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd., Japan, Shin-Etsu Silicones of America Inc. offers vast technical and capital resources to formulate solutions as a major supplier of silicone materials to North America's medical, automotive, electronics, aerospace, and manufacturing industries. Shin-Etsu’s premium silicone compounds incorporate leading-edge technology, staff expertise, and value-added service; offering customers the highest levels of quality and consistency in specialty silicone materials.
Author:
Eric Bishop / Shin-Etsu Silicones of America, Inc. / 513-232-8917
ebishop@shinetsusilicones.com
Editorial Contact:
Ray Farrar / Method Media LLC / 216-861-0862 / rayf@methmedia.net
