Thermosets used in Appliance Applications

Thermosets are a molding material used in a variety of products and industries due to the materials durability within high temperatures and electrical environments.  While the Electrical and Automotive are two heavy users of thermoset molded components, another industry that relies on thermosets are the home and consumer appliance market.  Whether a product is a larger home appliance or countertop cookware appliance, thermosets parts are used for heating elements and components that touch or are near high operating temperatures or requiring protection against electrical elements.  Thermosets can be molded with different textures or surface finishes, and BMC thermoset materials can also be molded with color.  Other appliance applications such as appliance handles and grill components utilize thermosets due to low moisture resistance and durability in outdoor elements when exposed to rain, snow, sleet and UV.

Utilizing thermoset materials into a component or product design offers safety and protection for end users of the product. Many thermoset materials such as bulk molding compound (BMC) and phenolic molding compound offer insulative properties, ensuring electrical current is not passed through the part and deterring electrical arc and track. Additionally, the insulative performance allows thermoset parts to be used to regulate outward temperatures of the assembly or product.  Whereas a metallic or thermoplastic component may conduct electrical current or heat throughout a product or assembly, the insulative properties of thermosets allow for safe handling without the risk of being shocked or burned.

Housings, bases, and covers of appliance parts must protect internal components as well as allow safe-handling for users, even when internal heating elements reach upwards of 400F degrees and above.  Many thermoset materials are UL rated for flammability resistance with a V0 or 5VA UL rating and will not disfigure or melt when exposed to elevated temperatures of 400-500F.  Most engineered thermoplastics would degrade quickly or even melt under such elevated operating temperatures.