Colorful and Robust: Ultramid® Advanced Enables Durable and Safe PCB Connectors and Terminals

Weidmüller, a specialist in electrical connectivity based in Detmold, Germany, has adopted BASF's polyphthalamide (PPA), Ultramid® Advanced N3U41 G6, for its new OMNIMATE® 4.0 product family of PCB connectors and terminals. This PPA from BASF, headquartered in Ludwigshafen, Germany, features flexible and color-stable pigmentation in RAL colors such as orange, blue, and green, contributing to the safe maintenance of electrical and electronic components. With its excellent chemical resistance, dimensional stability, and good processability, Ultramid® Advanced enhances the robustness and durability of the OMNIMATE® 4.0 parts. The material's high heat resistance makes it suitable for reflow soldering—a process for fixing components to printed circuit boards—meeting the needs for automation and cost efficiency in manufacturing high-performance electronics for drive technology, power supply, and energy distribution.

With Ultramid® Advanced N3U41 G6, connectors and PCB terminals can be manufactured in customized colors. The associated UL Yellow Card applies to all colors (all-color listing), allowing customers to flexibly meet the color-coding requirements of the electronics industry for assembly and maintenance. "We are pleased that Weidmüller recognizes both our high-performance material and our extensive color expertise," said Andreas Stockheim of BASF's PPA Business Management. "BASF is the only company in the market capable of supplying colored PA9T and related PPA material pellets in a variety of shades. Self-coloring with UL-certified masterbatches is also possible."

Weidmüller's PCB components transmit power in a compact design and meet high-voltage requirements. The snap-in connection technology enables tool-free, fast wiring, accelerating assembly work. "Our OMNIMATE® 4.0 product family is ideal for fully automated wiring processes," said Johann Klippenstein, Head of Device Connectors at Weidmüller. "BASF's PPA is a perfect fit for this concept, as it maintains high mechanical and electrical properties even in small connectors. We offer a safe solution that can flexibly meet the new requirements for high-performance electronics according to DIN standard VDE 60335-1, along with a very wide color palette." Ultramid® Advanced N3U41 G6 is extremely easy to process. It has flowability comparable to liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) and is supplied in pellet form, facilitating processing on small injection molding machines.

BASF's PPA meets the increasing demands for PCB components in power electronics required by more and more industries. These materials must be resistant to high temperatures, maintain electrical insulation over the long term, and remain dimensionally stable in harsh environmental conditions with moisture, dust, and dirt. Ultramid® Advanced N3U41 G6, which is laser-absorbent and uses a non-halogen flame retardant, combines high heat resistance, low water absorption, and excellent electrical properties. With a Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) of 600 (according to IEC 60112), it allows for shorter creepage distances, making it highly suitable for the miniaturization of electrical components. This UL-certified PPA also features a high Relative Temperature Index (RTI) of 150°C.