Panasonic to Start Mass Producing PBT Molding Compounds Next Month

Reports say that Panasonic will kick off mass production of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) molding compounds for laser welding next month. This move is set to optimize the design of automotive sensors and switches.

The existing processing methods for manufacturing automotive sensors include sealing with bolts and packings, bonding with adhesive agents and ultrasonic welding. Just recently, laser welding has captured the attention of the industry as its high welding strength can shorten the bonding time and boost productivity. However, plastic molding compounds mainly used for laser welding have had low laser transmittance, resulting in problems with waterproof properties and welding strength.

Panasonic targets to solve these issues by commercializing the PBT molding compounds with high laser transmittance for outstanding welding strength and waterproof properties. The compounds enable laser welding, design flexibility and long-term reliability when applied to automotive components. Additionally, thanks to high hydrolysis resistance, low warpage of molded parts and 72 percent laser transmittance that enable the production of small and huge automotive components. The company’s experts saw a 94 percent retention rate after a high-temperature, high humidity storage test.

Panasonic is a premier developer of different electronics technologies and solutions for the automotive, consumer electronics, housing, device and enterprise industries.