H.B. Fuller Introduces New Highly Flexible, UL 94-V0 Certified Epoxy Potting Compound for Electronics Manufacturing

ST. PAUL, Minn., Jan. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- H.B. Fuller Company (NYSE: FUL), a leading global adhesives provider, has expanded its family of materials for the encapsulation and protection of electronic assemblies and components with the launch of FH1438AB epoxy potting compound. Leveraging its extensive formulating, applications and market knowledge, H.B. Fuller has completed the comprehensive Underwriters Laboratories (UL) QMFZ2.E89705 Recognition Program for FH1438AB potting compound to provide a highly flexible material that, in turn, can potentially help finished goods manufacturers more quickly attain UL® certification.

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This new addition to H.B. Fuller's electronic materials potting compounds is tested and certified as a UL Recognized Component to meet the UL 94-V0 flame rating. UL certification is a pre-requisite for encapsulation materials, particularly those operating in harsh environments (e.g. saltwater and Fuel C), when the application design requires the combination of flame retardancy, heat resistance, dampening and vibration resistance properties.  

"We have seen an increasing demand for materials that meet the UL 94-V0 certification.  This UL 94-V0 certification gives our customers the confidence to specify this material for use in electronic applications," said Ralph Velazquez, business development manager advanced materials at H.B. Fuller. This material also provides a lower moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) than other materials like silicones.

H.B. Fuller's FH1438AB potting compound is a two-part epoxy resin system. This highly flexible material with a durometer value of 70 Shore 00 provides the required protection to surface mount components (SMT) during a wide range of temperature cycles without subjection to high stress levels. The potting compound is also formulated with high resistance to age hardening, which provides a consistent durometer measurement over time while maintaining resistance to salt water and Fuel C.  It has excellent adhesion to many substrates such as aluminum, most plastics and Viton® fluoroelastomer with no primer requirements.

In some instances, manufacturers using UL certified materials can bypass some or all of their testing when seeking UL certification of their products, providing assurance that their finished goods meet all standards. Typical applications for this material are those where high reliability and flame prevention is critical such as solid-state LED lighting modules, power supplies and automotive assemblies.

For more information, visit www.hbfuller.com/electronic-materials or contact your local HB Fuller technical representative. Samples of FH1438AB are available for evaluation and application support is provided from our Applications Development Laboratory at the company's world headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota. This material is ROHS and Reach compliant.

The UL trademark is owned by UL LLC and is registered in the U.S.A.
The Viton trademark is owned by E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company and is registered in the U.S.A.

About H.B. Fuller Company: For over 125 years, H.B. Fuller has been a leading global adhesives provider focusing on perfecting adhesives, sealants and other specialty chemical products to improve products and lives. Recognized for unmatched technical support and innovation, H.B. Fuller brings knowledge and expertise to help its customers find precisely the right formulation for the right performance. With fiscal 2011 net revenue of $1.6 billion, H.B. Fuller serves customers in packaging, hygiene, general assembly, paper converting, woodworking, construction, automotive and consumer businesses. For more information, visit us at hbfuller.com and subscribe to our blog.

SOURCE H.B. Fuller Company