USCAR/EWCAP Requirements & Materials to Meet the Challenge

Traditionally, the automotive electrical industry has used thermoplastic polyesters, nylon, and nylon alloys for its primary plastic applications. Current materials-specification trends in this segment are being dictated by 10-year warranty requirements (USCAR's EWCAP tests), higher functionality, increased pin densification, and elevated operating temperatures. This paper will discuss the implications of these trends and discuss materials approaches needed to address both application and manufacturing challenges.