Electromechanical components made with LATI compounds replacing thermoset materials for better performance and sustainability
Electrical & Electronic, R&D
Electrical & Electronic, R&Dbyadmin

From Bakelite to Modern Technopolymers: the Evolution of Insulating Materials

For decades, thermoset materials such as bakelite, melamine, epoxy and polyester resins have represented the foundation of the electromechanical and electrical industry. These materials have guaranteed insulation, heat resistance and dimensional stability, proving ideal for components intended for electrical safety.

Today, however, the sector requires more sustainable, versatile and recyclable solutions, in line with the principles of the circular economy.
The replacement of thermosets with self-extinguishing thermoplastic compounds perfectly meets this need, offering comparable or superior performance, combined with greater production efficiency and reduced environmental impact.

LATI Self-Extinguishing Compound for Electromechanical Applications

The Spanish company Telergon, leader in the production of manual and motorized switches and commutators, has adopted a self-extinguishing structural thermoplastic compound for the new housings of its devices.
The material chosen is LATER 4 G/30-V0HF1, a PBT reinforced with 30% glass fiber and self-extinguishing without halogens or red phosphorus.

Main Properties of the Compound:

  • PBT base (polybutylene terephthalate): anhydroscopic thermoplastic, stable even in humid environments.
  • UL94 V-0 self-extinguishing even at low thicknesses, compliant with RoHS and REACH environmental directives.
  • Tracking resistance >600 V, ideal for electrical equipment.
  • High dielectric strength and constant over time.
  • Excellent mechanical resistance and dimensional stability thanks to glass reinforcement.

These characteristics make the LATI compound an ideal solution for the replacement of thermoset resins in components subject to continuous electrical and mechanical stress.

Advantages of Thermoplastic Compounds over Thermosets

The introduction of compounds such as LATER 4 G/30-V0HF1 allows overcoming the typical limitations of thermoset resins, while maintaining high technical performance.

Characteristic Traditional thermosets LATI self-extinguishing thermoplastic compounds
Processability Slow molding, non-recyclable Fast injection molding, recyclable
Moisture resistance Limited High (anhydroscopic)
Thermal resistance High High (up to 150°C continuous)
Dielectric strength Excellent Outstanding
Environmental impact Non-recyclable, with halogenated additives Recyclable, free of halogens and red phosphorus

The use of self-extinguishing PBT also allows maintaining component geometry even in the presence of thermal or humidity variations, reducing deformation and production waste.

Application Example: Telergon and LATER 4 G/30-V0hf1 Compound

In the latest generation commutators produced by Telergon, the self-extinguishing compound from LATI has completely replaced the thermoset previously used for housings and electrical bypasses.
The result is a component:

  • Lighter and more robust, with high thermal and dimensional stability.
  • Safe under high voltage conditions, thanks to excellent leakage current resistance.
  • Compliant with European environmental regulations and compatible with the requirements of tropical and humid markets, where the anhydroscopic nature of PBT ensures consistent performance.

LATI Self-Extinguishing Compound: a Complete Range for the Electrical Industry

LATI offers a wide range of self-extinguishing compounds free of halogens and red phosphorus, developed to meet the requirements of the electrical, electronic and industrial automation sectors.
Available formulations include:

  • PA6 and PA66 for high-strength mechanical applications.
  • PBT and PPA for electrical insulation and thermal stability.
  • Grades reinforced with glass fiber or mineral fillers up to 50%.

All materials offer high dielectric performance, UL94 V-0 certified self-extinguishing and excellent processability, enabling the production of complex and durable components.

Contact Us

Discover the LATI range of self-extinguishing compounds for thermoset replacement in the electrical and electromechanical sector. Learn more about technical solutions at www.lati.com.

FAQ – Self-extinguishing Compound for Thermoset Replacement

  1. When is it advisable to replace thermosets with thermoplastic compounds?
    When greater production flexibility, recyclability and reduced molding costs are desired without sacrificing performance.
  2. Is PBT suitable for electrical components in humid environments?
    Yes, thanks to its anhydroscopic nature it guarantees insulation and dielectric strength even with high humidity.
  3. Do LATI self-extinguishing compounds comply with environmental regulations?
    Yes, they are free of halogens and red phosphorus, compliant with RoHS, REACH and UL94 V-0.