Vectra LCP | Zenite LCP - Liquid Crystal Polymers
Liquid crystal polymers (LCP) are preferred by designers and processers for their high precision and stable dimension, thin-walled parts that may need to survive high-heat exposure.
Liquid crystal polymers (LCP) are highly crystalline, inherently flame retardant, thermotropic (melt-orienting) thermoplastics. They are like semicrystalline polymers but have distinctive attributes.
What are Liquid Crystal Polymers?
When melted, conventional semicrystalline polymers have a random structure, which, as they cool, form highly ordered crystalline regions surrounded by an amorphous matrix. LCPs take this order to another level.
LCP molecules remain well-ordered even in the melt and slide past each other easily under shear. The result is very low melt viscosity making it easy to fill extremely thin walls and to replicate intricate features. They exhibit little or no shrinkage in the flow direction and require very little time to set up or solidify. Quick fills and shorter cycle times mean increased productivity.
Injection-moldable liquid crystal polymer products have proven successful in a variety of applications, including connectors, antennas, CPU sockets, compact camera modules, sensors, small e-motors, medical devices, dental tools and surgical instruments. Unfilled polymers can be extruded for film or sheet, co-extruded for barrier packaging or melt spun for applications needing high-performance fibers or yarn.
Vectra® | Zenite® LCP is a family of halogen-free, high-performance polymers that provide high-temperature performance in eco-friendly applications with exceptionally precise and stable dimensions. To meet future connectivity requirements, we’ve expanded our Vectra® and Zenite® LCP to offer tailored dielectric constant (Dk) and dissipation factor (Df) value, consistent Dk/Df value across wide range frequency or harsh condition and platability.
Zenite® liquid crystal polymer (LCP)
Three new featured LCP grades: Zenite® LCP 350LDS, LCP 450LDS, and LCP 451P have been added to the LCP portfolio. The key features of LCP in all three grades are heat resistance, low moisture absorption, superior flow and intrinsic flame retardance.
Zenite®LCP 350 LDS:
This grade is designed for miniaturization of antenna, sensor and connector. It can be used in thin wall, and with injection molded antenna application, and is LDS capable, SMT solder capable, V-0 flammability, and low warp capabilities. Key features include:
- High mechanical strength and high HDT
- Consistent Dk/Df in wide range of temperature and frequency
- Low dielectric constant and low dissipation factor
- Enable design freedom and miniaturization
- Low dissipation factor, reduce power consumption and heat
Zenite®LCP 450 LDS:
A high-performance liquid crystal polymer with excellent bonding strength. It is an injection moldable LDS capable LCP designed suitable for thin wall antenna. Key features include:
- 2-3X bonding strength over Vectra® LCP E845iLDS
- Superior mechanical strength
- Excellent surface
- Maintain UL94V0
- SMT Capability
- Low Warpage
Zenite® LCP 451P:
A high performance injection moldable LCP designed for miniaturization of antenna, sensor, and connector. This grade offers excellent surface appearance without compromising mechanical strength. Zenite®LCP 451P features include:
- Consistent plating
- High weldline strength
- High thermal conductivity and high HDT
- Maintain UL94 VD
- Enable broadband mmWave antenna
Design guide for Vectra® LCP
Liquid Crystal Polymers are used in many different sectors, from electronics and medical technology to industrial applications. The families of Vectra® LCP resins are easy to process in injection molding machines. This makes for fast production cycles, high flow in thin sections, and exceptional dimensional stability.
Vectra® Liquid Crystal Polymers can be processed by all conventional methods used for thermoplastics, including injection molding, extrusion, co-extrusion, blow molding, etc. They are distinguished from semi-crystalline plastics by their special molecular structure. In this guide you will find a detailed review of design guidelines for Vectra® LCP.