New DuPont Zytel HTN Grade Helps Make Precise USB Type-C 3.1 Connectors

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DuPont Zytel HTN high-performance polyamide resin has been selected for use in reversible-plug USB Type-C connectors, which are forecast to replace Type-A and Type-B connectors and rule as the universal port for all devices, including desktops, laptops and mobile phones.

Requirements for use in USB Type-C and Type-C 3.1 connectors proved to be challenging for existing engineering plastics. “Devices are smaller, thinner and transmit data at extremely high rates and those needs proved to be too demanding for current polymer materials,” said Chun-Ku Chen, Asia-Pacific marketing manager of Diversified Industry at DuPont Performance Polymers, adding that wall thickness in Type-C connectors can be as little as 0.18mm – less than 2 stacked sheets of paper.  “We saw our customers struggling with existing materials and developed a new grade of the Zytel® HTN FR52 Non Halogen product family with excellent flow rates, superior dimensional stability and low dielectric constant specifically for molding Type-C connectors.”

Zytel® HTN FR52 non-halogen products also offer processing advantages compared with other PPA resins. Zytel® HTNFR52 NH products can handle the processing requirements of overmolding metal that is needed to manufacture these connectors and exhibits lower moisture absorption than other high performance polyamides. 

With the very high flow performance, Zytel® HTN FR52 non-halogen products allow customers to inject the materials at lower temperatures, which creates less mold deposit. This combination of features helps improve the productivity by reducing cycle time, increasing uptime and minimizing maintenance costs.

The new DuPont grade also can be readily colored to meet OEM and customer requirements. “We applied our compounding expertise to ensure that even colored USB Type-C cables connectors possess the right property balance for the application,” said Chen.

Zytel® HTN FR52 non-halogen materials are already being commercially employed by several ODMs (original design manufacturers) serving global OEMs.

DuPont Performance Polymers works with customers throughout the world to help improve the performance, sustainability and cost of components used in automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, health care, medical and other diversified industries.  DuPont supports product development efforts with more than 40 manufacturing, development and research centers and technical teams to help ensure ideas go to market quickly and cost effectively.

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DuPont has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802.  The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment.