Polyplastics Launches PBT & PPS Resins for Advanced Driver‑Assistance Applications

Japan’s Polyplastics Co., Ltd., whose U.S. office is in Farmington Hills, Mich., is positioning its innovative resin products for use in Advanced Driver‑Assistance Systems (ADAS) that enable autonomous driving. The company’s Duranex PBT and Durafide PPS materials—designed for sensors in radar and camera bracket systems—offer low warpage, excellent dimensional stability, and a low dielectric constant.

In radar housings, manufacturers prioritize materials with a low dielectric constant, stable radio‑wave transmission, and minimal water absorption. Historically, SPS (syndiotactic polystyrene) and PEI have been used for dielectric performance, while PPS is favored for its resistance to water and chemicals. To address cost pressures, many designers are now incorporating PBT into their designs.

Polyplastics reports that water absorption has little effect on Durafide PPS 1140A6, but does impact Duranex PBT 330HR. Accordingly, the company is developing new PBT grades that combine superior low‑dielectric properties with reduced water uptake.

For radar brackets, electromagnetic shielding is essential to mitigate unwanted reflected waves. Polyplastics’ electrically conductive grades—Duracon POM CH‑10, EB‑10, and Duranex PBT 7300E—are actively considered, while new PBT variants with enhanced shielding are under development.

For car‑mounted camera brackets, low warpage and high rigidity are critical. Materials such as Duranex PBT 733LD and 7407 are therefore preferred. Polyplastics has also introduced matte technology, a laser treatment that reduces scattered light. The process yields favorable gloss and blackness levels, and the company will continue to study long‑term durability and process optimizations to shorten treatment time.