Electrical industry
High-quality plastics for the electrical industry: electrically insulating, heat-resistant & stable. Find out more now!
Introduction: What is the electrical industry?
The electrical industry encompasses all companies and technologies involved in the development, production and application of electrical and electronic systems. It plays a decisive role in modern industry and ranges from power generation through automation technology to the manufacture of consumer electronics.
A key challenge in this sector is the selection of suitable materials that meet the high requirements regarding electrical insulation, temperature resistance and mechanical load capacity. This is where plastics come into play as high-performance materials.
Requirements of the electrical industry for materials
Components in the electrical industry must fulfil specific properties in order to ensure reliable and safe operation. The most important requirements are:
- Electrical insulation: Prevention of short circuits and voltage breakdowns.
- Heat resistance: Withstanding high temperatures caused by electrical currents or ambient influences.
- Mechanical stability: Ensuring dimensional stability and resistance to mechanical loads.
- Chemical resistance: Resistance to oils, solvents and other chemical substances encountered in industrial applications.
Why plastics are indispensable in the electrical industry
Plastics have established themselves as ideal materials for numerous applications in the electrical industry. Their advantages over traditional materials such as metal or ceramics are manifold:
- Weight saving: Plastics are lighter than metal and reduce the overall weight of components and devices.
- High insulating capacity: Many plastics possess excellent dielectric strength and prevent unwanted electrical conductivity.
- Cost efficiency: Plastic components are often cheaper to manufacture than metal components.
- Variety of shapes and design freedom: Complex shapes can be realised easily through injection moulding processes.
- Corrosion resistance: Unlike metal parts, plastics are resistant to rust and chemical influences.
Our plastics for the electrical industry
Depending on the application, various high-performance plastics are used. The most important materials that we offer for the electrical industry include:
| Plastic type | Properties | Typical applications |
|---|---|---|
| PA (polyamide) | High mechanical strength, good insulating properties | Housings, insulators, connecting elements |
| PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) | Outstanding temperature and chemical resistance | Seals, cable sheathing |
| PEEK (polyetheretherketone) | High temperature resistance, extremely robust | High-performance insulators, electrical connectors |
| PVC (polyvinyl chloride) | Good electrical insulation, flame retardant | Cable insulation, switch housings |
| POM (polyoxymethylene) | High dimensional stability, good sliding properties | Switches, gear components |
Technical advantages of our materials
Our plastics meet the highest technical requirements and offer the following advantages:
- High dielectric strength: Prevents unwanted electrical breakdowns.
- Compliance with flame protection classes: Many of our plastics are certified to UL 94 and meet common fire protection requirements.
- Temperature resistance: Suitable for high-temperature applications up to 300°C.
- Chemical resistance: Resistance to acids, bases and oils.
Conclusion: Plastic solutions for future-proof electrical applications
The electrical industry places high demands on materials, which plastics can fulfil optimally. They offer excellent insulating properties, high temperature resistance and a long service life. Through our specialised selection of high-performance plastics, you receive tailor-made solutions for your electrical applications.
