SCAME contact holders manufactured with LATI high-temperature compounds to ensure electrical safety and thermal stability in industrial applications
Automotive and transport, Electrical & Electronic, High temperatures
Automotive and transport, Electrical & Electronic, High temperaturesbyadmin

In high-temperature applications, standard flame-retardant compounds may not be the best solution, and other types of materials must be preferred, such as LATI’s LARAMID G/30-V0HF1, based on aromatic polyamide. Read the SCAME case study!

Flame-retardant Materials: Standard Solutions

Many traditional applications used in electrical power transfer are made with compounds formulated with robust and versatile polymers, particularly PA66.

The flame, thermal, chemical, and mechanical resistance of polyamide-based flame-retardant materials is generally very good, even for prolonged use.
However, in some situations, the intensity of circulating current and continuous usage time can seriously challenge standard PA66 or PBT solutions due to the temperature reached by metal contacts heated by the Joule effect.

SCAME and LATI’s LARAMID G/30-V0hf1

SCAME PARRE, an Italian leading manufacturer of electrical components for low-voltage systems, offers contact holder inserts specifically designed for 125 Ampere heavy-duty plugs and sockets used in industrial plants, construction sites, and mines.
During continuous operation, these connections can reach temperatures close to 180-190°C, which is more than enough to compromise technical polymers like polyamide and polyester. To avoid using expensive and difficult-to-process high-temperature materials like ceramics or thermosetting resins, SCAME chose LATI’s LARAMID G/30-V0HF1, a compound based on aromatic polyamide (PPA) designed to offer continuous use temperatures significantly higher than PA66. The resin is reinforced with 30% glass fiber to ensure the stiffness, strength, and resilience essential for safely handling heavy-duty use, including extreme situations like drops and violent impacts.

Flame Retardancy and UL Certification

Obviously, the contact holder block must be flame-retardant and resist contact with metal elements heated by current. This is not an issue, as LARAMID features UL94 V0 certified flame resistance at 0.75 mm and glow wire flammability index GWFI 960°C for 1 and 2 mm thicknesses, achieved through a halogen-free and red phosphorus-free flame retardant system.

Excellent Aesthetic Result

Despite the complex formula containing flame retardant additives and glass fiber, LARAMID can be processed using traditional equipment, and the aesthetic result is absolutely excellent, as highlighted by the dark brown color specifically chosen by SCAME for its inserts.

Railway Certification

LARAMID G/30-V0HF1 also has complete railway certification according to European standard EN45545, with maximum rating for applications in zones R22 and R23.
Would you like to know more about LATI’s LARAMID G/30-V0HF1? Do you need consultation to understand which material might best suit your application? Contact us!