Eco-Progressive resin helps washing machines meet new IEC Compliance Standard

Vestel White Goods has chosen SABIC Innovative Plastics’ flame-retardant (FR) Noryl* NH6020 resin – which complies with the new, tougher requirements of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 60355 standard for unattended appliances – to ensure its washing machines are competitive in the global arena. Vestel, one of Turkey’s leading appliance manufacturers, replaced a halogenated FR polyamide with Noryl NH6020 resin for printed circuit board holders to meet the new IEC requirements without the use of chlorinated or brominated FR additives. Further, using this innovative material enables Vestel to improve part quality and reduce scrap to lower system costs. By proactively securing IEC certification and ensuring flame retardance without halogens, SABIC Innovative Plastics helps customers like Vestel gain a competitive edge and the opportunity to expand into new markets. “SABIC Innovative Plastics is deeply committed to helping our customers meet ever-changing industry requirements for their applications,” said Arthur van Dijk, product marketing and electrical manager, Europe, SABIC Innovative Plastics. “SABIC Innovative Plastics’ materials are compliant with the revised IEC standard which enables OEMs such as Vestel to avoid interruptions or delays in production, and differentiate their products.” When the IEC tightened its 60355 standard and included the demanding Glow Wire Ignition (GWIT) test for flammability, Vestel sought a new compliant material to replace the existing polyamide in use. Fortunately, SABIC Innovative Plastics had proactively developed an array of flame-retardant materials that achieved IEC 60355 certification through the German testing organization Verband der Elektrotechnik Elektronik Informationstechnik e.V (VDE). Because the materials have already passed compliance tests meeting the new IEC standards, manufacturers do not have to spend time and resources on additional testing of plastic parts. By choosing Noryl NH6020 resin, Vestel gained a solution that met this requirement and more. These included better performance, reduced system costs, environmental responsibility, and greater design freedom. For Vestel, IEC compliance was only one shortfall of its previously existing material. “The unreinforced material experienced warpage that led to a narrow processing window and post-molding rejects,” said Ozgur Yilmaz, head of the research and development department for Vestel washing machines. “We wanted to find a material that not only passed the Glow Wire Ignition Test but also provided excellent dimensional stability and low warpage to reduce scrap rates.” Further, as part of its environmental stewardship focus and to meet global eco regulations, Vestel wanted flame retardance without the use of chlorinated or brominated additives. Noryl NH6020 resin offers non-halogenated flame retardance as well as a balance of properties to address Vestel’s concerns. By replacing its previous material with Noryl NH6020 resin in new washing machine models, Vestel has reduced rejects and part failures to practically zero, reducing system costs and ensuring consistent high quality of the PCB holders. Compliance with environmental regulations, including the EU Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive, allows the company to market its washers around the world. Yilmaz noted, “Noryl NH6020 resin met every one of our requirements and has helped ensure we can continue competing effectively in the global appliance marketplace.”