Using Thermosets for High Heat Molding Applications

Thermosets are used in molding applications requiring an end-part or product assembly to remain dimensionally stable within challenging and aggressive environments. These environments may include exposure to high temperatures, corrosion, or chemicals. Molded thermoset parts exhibit very good dimensional stability, even in high heat and high operating temperatures. Thermosets have heat resistance up to continuous temperatures of 400-500F depending on the material formulation, whereas thermoplastic molding materials such as a nylon or ABS may disfigure, melt, or carbonize and jeopardize the integrity of a product or assembly. Parts molded from a thermoset remain dimensionally stable, allowing the molded component or assembly to remain protected and durable over the lifespan of a product. If your part or product assembly must withstand high operating temperatures and aggressive end-use elements, choosing a thermoset as your molding material may help keep your product assembly remain safe and functioning as intended.

Applications such as electrical housings, covers, and terminal blocks must remain dimensionally stable under high temperatures to protect internal components from being damaged. In automotive applications, some powertrain or transmission parts may also see high operating temperatures from the engine or transmission, which can even be magnified in the summer months or with continuous use. Additionally, electrical insulators and circuit breaker applications require an insulative material to limit heat dissipation into internal electrical components or cabling. Grill handles, oven/ range components, and bases and covers for small consumer cooking appliances all rely on thermosets to not only protect internal components but allow safe handling for the customer and product user. Outside of high-cost aerospace materials, thermoplastics do not offer the same level of heat resistance and temperature deflection properties as a molded thermoset will.