Flame-retardant Compound for Metal Replacement: Mechanical Performance and Safety

The replacement of metallic and thermoset components with flame-retardant thermoplastic compounds is an increasingly common strategy in the mechanical, electrical, and electrotechnical industries.
Among the leading materials in this field is LATAMID 66 H2 G/50-V0HF1, a reinforced polyamide-based compound developed to combine structural robustness, fire safety, and environmental sustainability.

Technical Performance of LATAMID 66 H2 G/50-V0hf1

This compound represents an advanced technical solution for applications requiring high mechanical strength, thermal stability, and certified flame retardancy simultaneously.
It is particularly suitable for structural components of motors, generators, and electrical transfer systems, where it must ensure stable performance even beyond 100°C.

Application Example: Brush Holders for Electric Motors

The company SELNI, specializing in current transmission systems, has adopted LATAMID 66 H2 G/50-V0HF1 for the production of brush arms used in motors and generators.

The component must maintain a stable and constant contact between the graphite electrode and the conductive elements, ensuring mechanical precision, dimensional stability, and thermal resistance.

Properties	Typical value	Technical function
Polymer base	PA66	Excellent balance between stiffness and thermal resistance
Reinforcement	50% glass fiber	Dimensional stability and mechanical robustness
Flame retardancy	UL94 V0 (0.75–3 mm)	Certified safety against flame ignition
Creepage resistance (CTI)	600 V	Protection from electrical arcs and tracking
Operating temperature range	>100°C	Reliability in critical operating conditions
Environmental compliance	RoHS – Halogen-free and red phosphorus-free	Safety and sustainability

Flame Retardancy and Certified Safety

One of the most significant aspects of LATAMID 66 H2 G/50-V0HF1 is its intrinsic flame retardancy.
The HF1 formulation uses halogen-free and red phosphorus-free flame retardant systems, reducing the formation of toxic and corrosive compounds.

This allows achieving a UL94 V0 flammability class while maintaining excellent mechanical and thermal characteristics, unlike traditional materials that often sacrifice structural performance to achieve the same classification.

Advantages over Metals and Thermosets

The use of flame-retardant compounds for metal replacement offers tangible advantages in terms of design, safety, and sustainability:

Aspect	Metals / Thermosets	LATAMID V0HF1 Compound
Specific weight	High	Up to 50% lighter
Recyclability	Limited (thermosets not recyclable)	Fully recyclable
Workability	Complex machining and assembly	Direct injection molding
Flame retardancy	Requires treatments or coatings	Intrinsic (UL94 V0)
Environmental Sustainability	Often containing harmful additives	RoHS compliant, halogen-free and red phosphorus-free

These characteristics make LATAMID 66 H2 G/50-V0HF1 a valid alternative to brass, aluminum, and thermoset resins, allowing for simplified production and improved performance of the finished product.

Dimensional Stability and Processability

The material is easy to injection mold, with controlled and homogeneous shrinkage, ensuring precise geometric tolerances even in complex components.
The creep and fatigue resistance ensures a long component life, even under dynamic stress or vibrations.

Sustainability and Environmental Compliance

The HF1 formulation meets the most stringent international regulations on environment and health:

• Compliant with RoHS and REACH;
• Free of halogens and red phosphorus;
• Recyclable and low environmental impact;
• Compatible with standard industrial production processes.

LATI HF1 Range: Variants and Performance

The LATAMID V0HF1 family includes various versions reinforced with glass fiber from 25% to 50%, all UL94 certified and designed for electrical, electronic, and mechanical applications where flame retardancy and structural integrity are required.

Version	Reinforcement	Typical application
LATAMID 66 H2 G/25-V0HF1	25% glass	Light electrical components
LATAMID 66 H2 G/35-V0HF1	35% glass	Connectors, structural supports
LATAMID 66 H2 G/50-V0HF1	50% glass	Structural parts and metal replacement

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Flame-Retardant Compounds for Metal Replacement

1. Why choose a flame-retardant compound to replace metal?
   To reduce weight, simplify production, and improve fire safety while maintaining high mechanical performance.
2. Do HF1 flame-retardant compounds contain halogens?
   No. The LATI HF1 series uses eco-friendly flame retardants, free of halogens and red phosphorus, compliant with RoHS regulations.
3. In which applications are V0HF1 compounds used?
   They are used in electrical components, engines, connectors, and structural parts where heat resistance, rigidity, and UL94 V0 flame retardancy are required.

Conclusion

Flame-retardant compounds for metal replacement, such as LATAMID 66 H2 G/50-V0HF1, represent the ideal solution for designers and manufacturers seeking lightness, safety, and sustainability.

Do you want to evaluate an alternative to metal for your structural applications?
Request a personalized technical consultation to identify the most suitable HF1 compound for your industrial project.