The world's leading diversified chemical company, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation, recently introduced a major breakthrough in the production process of an infrared optical sensor lens at the US Plastics and Mould Technology Exhibition (NPE 2018, booth number: S19001). The lens uses SABIC's EXTEMTM Thermoplastic Polyimide (TPI) resin for applications such as proximity sensors and gesture recognition for smartphones and other electronic products. The Swiss moulding company SOPROD SA uses SABIC's high penetration of infrared light Performance materials, through the use of multi-mode tools for micro-molding, mass production of the sensor lens. Compared with the polishing and epoxy resin curing process of quartz glass, EXTEMTM resin has the advantages of high efficiency, large batch molding, can be significant Improve processing speed, ensure quality stability, avoid costly secondary processing. SOPROD's breakthrough provides a new and efficient solution for the electronics industry, helping to meet the growing market demand for infrared optical sensors.
Jean-Camil Pitteloud, chief operating officer of SOPROD SA, stated: “With the superior performance of EXTEMTM resins, we achieved great success in the first micromolding with thermoplastic resins. The high flow and low shrinkage of SABIC materials make it very It is suitable for mass production of small precision parts. In addition, it withstands the high temperature environment of lead-free soldering commonly used in device assembly. We are pleased to be able to develop this with our long-standing expertise in producing high-end watch movements. Innovative manufacturing process, which undoubtedly gives us a strong competitive advantage.
Andy Verheijden, SABIC Global EXTEMTM Business Manager, added: 'From mobile phones to video game controllers to drones, infrared optical sensors are widely used in various new features of consumer electronics products. This cooperation with SOPROD proves its use. The feasibility and many advantages of the EXTEMTM resin micromolding process for the production of infrared optics. With this innovative process, our customers in the electronics industry can quickly produce the components needed for the next generation of devices.
Infrared light high penetration characteristics and high temperature resistance
EXTEMTM resins can provide the key optical properties required for infrared sensor lenses, including high penetration of infrared light, high refractive index, low haze and zero surface defects, etc. EXTEMTM resins provide both natural and black colors, black absorption Visible light but transmit infrared light helps improve the accuracy of the proximity sensor.
This resin can withstand extremely high temperatures (glass transition temperature of 267°C / 513°F) and supports lead-free reflow soldering processes for assembly of small components.
Improve design freedom
EXTEMTM resin also surpasses traditional epoxy and glass in terms of design flexibility. The material can be injection molded into lenses with freeform surfaces, while epoxy resins have geometric limitations and usually require the addition of a substrate layer. The highness of EXTEMTM resin Shear thinning properties facilitate mold filling, which is indispensable for small, high-precision parts. With more flexible design freedom and higher refractive index, EXTEMTM resin can reduce one to two times more than the epoxy resin in advanced lens designs. Floor.