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. The lens uses SABIC's EXTEMTM thermoplastic polyimide ( TPI) resin, which can be used for proximity sensors and gesture recognition applications for smartphones and other electronic products. The Swiss moulding company SOPRODSA uses SABIC's high-performance material with high penetration of infrared light, using micro-tools for microscopy. Molding, mass production of sensor lens.
Compared with the grinding and polishing of quartz glass and epoxy resin curing process, EXTEMTM resin has the advantages of high efficiency, large batch forming, can significantly improve the processing speed, ensure the quality stability, avoid high-cost secondary processing. SOPROD this A breakthrough provides a new and efficient solution for the electronics industry, helping to meet the growing market demand for infrared optical sensors.
Specifically, EXTEMTM resin has the following characteristics: 1. High penetration and high temperature resistance of infrared light. EXTEMTM resin can provide 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 resin provides both natural and black colors. Black absorbs visible light but transmits infrared light, helping to improve the accuracy of the proximity sensor. This resin can withstand extremely high Temperature (glass transition temperature of 267°C/513°C) supports lead-free reflow soldering processes for assembly of miniaturized components. 2. Increases design freedom. EXTEMTM resin also surpasses traditional ring design flexibility Oxygen resin and glass. The material can be injection molded into a lens with a freeform surface, while the epoxy resin has geometric limitations and usually requires the addition of a substrate layer. The high shear thinning properties of the EXTEMTM resin facilitate mold filling, which for small, High-precision components are indispensable. With more flexible design freedom and higher refractive index, EXTEMTM resin can reduce one to two layers of epoxy in advanced lens designs.
Jean-Camil Pitteloud, chief operating officer of SOPRODSA, stated: “With the superior performance of EXTEMTM resins, we succeeded in micromolding with thermoplastic resins for the first time. The high flow and low shrinkage of SABIC materials make them ideal for small size. Mass production of precision components. 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 innovative manufacturing with our long-standing expertise in producing high-end watch movements. Process. '
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 functions 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.