The E&E market and consumers are ready for one USB cord and power plug for most electronic devices. Since a unified charger interface can help reduce e-waste, simplify wireless charging standards, and bring convenience to consumers, the European Union and some other government regulatory agencies are increasing the use of USB Type-C. It is a general-purpose interface with many advantages, but you may come across challenges depending on the material you utilize. Thankfully there is one tested material that offers a high interlayer bonding force, which can reduce failure risks.
The idea of a single charging cable that can charge all portable electronic devices is quickly becoming a reality. Since a unified charger interface can help reduce e-waste, simplify wireless charging standards, and bring convenience to consumers, the European Union and some other government regulatory agencies are increasing the use of USB Type-C.
The European Council approved that from 2024 on, all kinds of electronic devices, like mobile phones, tablets, and digital cameras sold in the EU must use the Type-C charging interface uniformly. Laptops are allowed a grace period of 40 months.
The market is indeed ready for a single charging cable, and in fact, most smartphone manufacturers are already adopting the Type-C charging interface. Laptop manufacturers will complete the conversion of the interface before 2026.
The interface conversion is not limited to the charging interface—the interface on the power adapter is also gradually converting from USB Type-A to Type-C. This means that one charging cable can be used for all electronic devices, and there is no need to distinguish between the power plug end and the charging end. Plus, there is no need to buy multiple power plugs anymore, thus, a decrease in unnecessary waste.
USB Type-C stands out as a general-purpose interface with the following advantages:
Although the Type-C charging interface represents the main interface application of the future, it is not a risk-free solution. Liquid crystal polymers (LCP) have long been used to make USB interfaces. However, this material presents a risk of creepage when applied to electronic devices with thinner walls and smaller pitches.
Some common causes of material failure include:
It is imperative you choose the best material for USB Type-C interfaces to decrease failure risks and potential fires. Envalior’s Stanyl® product line can provide excellent mechanical strength and extremely high interlayer bonding force, which can effectively reduce the occurrence of failure.
Our team tested the interlayer bonding properties of Stanyl® and competing materials. We injection-molded each test material into a test mold and used a custom-made fixture for tensile testing. Stanyl products exhibited a two-shot bonding strength much higher than that of LCP and PPA. We then performed cross-sectional observations of the plastic part using an optical microscope. As a result, the Stanyl® product showed smooth and good bonding, whereas competitive materials had clear cracks and crevices.
Our Stanyl® products have shortened the time required for certification, saving you time and money. In recent years, the electronic market has continued to grow, and the product iteration cycle has become shorter and shorter. Shortening the development cycle and manufacturing cycle and launching the product as soon as possible is what you want to achieve.
In this process, whether the product meets the safety certification standards is also an important link in the accelerated marketization of electronic products. Insecure or unreliable components risk delaying a product launch. With many years of experience in the global market and a team of experts, Envalior is familiar with various regulatory requirements, and can cooperate with manufacturers to shorten the design cycle and obtain certification as soon as possible. Currently, USB-C connectors made with Stanyl® have been certified in many countries and regions.
In addition, Envalior is also effective in promoting the reduction of carbon footprint. Stanyl® PA46 material has an approximately 32% lower carbon footprint than competing materials, while bio-based, mass-balanced Stanyl® B-MB has an approximately 54% lower carbon footprint than standard Stanyl®. Partnering with us not only represents high-quality and reliable products, but also represents the contribution of customers to sustainable development.
Advanced Engineering Manager
John Hsieh, advanced engineering manager for Envalior, has 20 years of product management and technical marketing experience within the entire electronics value chain. He has been with Envalior since August 2013 and has a master’s degree in mechanical engineering.
21 November 2023
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