Core Evaluation Criteria for Material Selection
Operating temperature: Continuous temperature resistance, peak temperature, reflow soldering temperature (critical for SMT connectors).
Mechanical properties: Strength, toughness, creep resistance, insertion extraction fatigue, impact resistance.
Electrical properties: Insulation resistance, dielectric strength, CTI (Comparative Tracking Index) .
Flammability rating: UL94 V0 / V1 / HB, mandatory safety requirement.
Environmental resistance: Chemical resistance (flux, oil, electrolyte), moisture absorption, hydrolysis resistance, thermal shock resistance.
Molding processability: Flowability, shrinkage rate, warpage, mold temperature, post molding deformation.
Cost, color, RoHS and REACH compliance.
Common Plastic Grades & Characteristics for Connectors
1.PA66 Nylon 66 (GF glass fiber reinforced, most widely used)
Typical grades: DuPont FR50, BASF A3EG6, Shenma 25G
l Temperature resistance: Continuous 100 120°C, short term 150°C
l Advantages: Good toughness, high mechanical strength, wear resistance, moderate cost, acceptable flowability
l Disadvantages: High moisture absorption; dimensions and strength change after water absorption; not resistant to high temperature reflow soldering
l Applications: Non SMT, wire to board, standard sockets, low voltage home appliance connectors
l Flammability: Flame retardant additive required, FR grade PA66
❌ Not suitable for SMT reflow soldering (bubbling and deformation will occur at 260°C)
2. PA46 Nylon 46 (High temperature Nylon)
l Temperature resistance: Continuous 130 150°C, short term resistance up to 250°C Advantages: High heat resistance, low creep, good retention of strength at high temperatures, better flowability than PA66
l Disadvantages: High cost, still prone to moisture absorption
l Applications: High temperature wiring harnesses, power connectors, components requiring relatively high soldering temperature resistance, excluding rigorous SMT reflow processes。
3. LCP Liquid Crystal Polymer (First choice for SMT connectors)
l Typical grades: DuPont Zenite, Polyplastics E130i, E6808
l Temperature resistance: Continuous 180 220°C, withstands 260°C reflow soldering。
l Advantages: Extremely low moisture absorption, excellent dimensional stability, low warpage, ultra high flowability, solder heat resistance, chemical resistance Disadvantages: Poor toughness, prone to delamination, weak weld lines, relatively high cost
l Applications: All SMT surface mount connectors, Type C, Board to Board (BTB), FPC, high density micro connectors。
l 30% glass fiber reinforced LCP is currently the dominant solution for high speed precision connectors.
4. PBT Polybutylene Terephthalate
l Temperature resistance: Continuous 100 120°C
l Advantages: Low water absorption, good dimensional stability, excellent moldability, high cost performance, good surface gloss.
l Disadvantages: Not resistant to high temperature soldering, susceptible to hydrolysis under high temperature (use cautiously in high temperature and high humidity environments).
l Applications: DC jacks, common housings, non high temperature wiring harness connectors.
l Flame retardant PBT: UL94 V0 modified grade.
5. PET Polyethylene Terephthalate
l Its temperature resistance is slightly higher than PBT. Glass fiber reinforced PET features good rigidity, yet it carries a greater risk of hydrolysis under high temperature and high humidity compared with PBT.
l It is mostly used for lamp holders and some low cost connectors and is rarely the first choice for general purpose signal connectors.
6. PPS Polyphenylene Sulfide
l Temperature resistance: Continuous 200 240°C, withstands 260°C reflow soldering.
l Advantages: Excellent chemical resistance, inherent UL94 V0 flame retardancy, low moisture absorption, good creep resistance.
l Disadvantages: Poor flowability, difficult to mold ultra thin walls, high cost.
l Applications: High power, high temperature automotive and heavy duty industrial connectors; rarely used for tiny precision connectors.
7. PC / PC+ABS
l Advantages: Good impact resistance, transparent grade available.
l Disadvantages: Relatively low temperature resistance, poor flux resistance, weak creep resistance.
l Applications: Connector housings and decorative parts; not suitable for insulating bases or insulators.
AMASS High current connector use the PBT material which can help you maintain stable connections in application scenarios such as high-intensity vibration, repeated high and low temperature impacts, small volume, and high current.
Post time: Sep-01-2026