SABIC’s subsidiary, Innovative Plastics has released colorable LNP Thermocomp NX11302 compound, a thermoplastic material for laser direct structuring (LDS) technology that incorporates mechanical and electronic capabilities into one module such as antennas of notebooks and mobile phones.
The LNP Thermocomp compound has increased the options available for device design, paving the way for next-generation portable equipment. Innovative Plastics in partnership with LPKF Laser & Electronics, a pioneer in LDS technology, unveiled the first black material technology solution.
The LDS technology from LPKF employs unique lasers to engrave the component’s circuit layout on a plastic part. The plated layout features a circuit pathway whose pattern matches with the laser pattern. LPKF has evaluated and certified the use of the LNP Thermocomp compound in its devices. The new material can be used in connectors and LEDs.
The LNP specialty compound is based on polycarbonate/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene. It offers performance properties for electronics applications along with superior surface finish and custom colorability for appealing aesthetics in exterior housings. The performance properties are high dimensional stability, superior flexural modulus for slim wall and increased impact resistance for durability. It can be plated easily and provides a broad processing window.
LPKF Laser & Electronics’ Vice President of Cutting & Structuring Laser, Nils Heininger commented that the shift from original black to customized colors offers a major breakthrough for customers of both the companies.