THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS (June 8, 2005) – The resin quality of a plastic part can make a big difference in the automotive world. Choosing the optimal resin can positively impact product performance, customer satisfaction and processability. So, when Hella Lighting Corporation in York, South Carolina was presented with an opportunity to improve an existing product, they seized it.

Hella Lighting Corporation focused its efforts on a headlamp-retaining ring originally made out of polyetherimide (PEI). Searching for the optimal resin, Hella Lighting Corporation enlisted the help of Fabrik Molded Plastics, Inc., the molder of the retaining ring. The goal was to find a material that could withstand the significant amount of heat produced by the headlamp, but still be molded to fit the part’s specifications. 

Aware of its resistance to withstand prolonged exposure to high temperatures up to 260°C, Fabrik turned to Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP’s Ryton® polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). Grade R-7-120BL was sampled for the ring. The key performance features of this grade of Ryton® PPS include a 220°C/240°C UL RTI, arc resistance, lower cost, and dimensional stability.

With a few minor modifications to the tool, the selected grade of Ryton® PPS performed well. So well in fact, that other tools have been modified to accept Ryton® PPS and many new Hella Lighting Corporation parts are being molded out of this high performance resin.

This switch from PEI to the alternate material Ryton® PPS enabled Hella Lighting Corporation and Fabrik to increase part performance and quality.  

About Ryton® PPS

Ryton® PPS and Xtel® PPS Alloys are produced worldwide by Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC and its affiliates.  These engineering plastic materials are known for excellent heat and chemical resistance, as well as its ability to be molded to tight tolerances.  Customers use these products in many applications, including electronic components, under-the-hood automotive parts, and appliances.