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ForTii® WX12-FC

1 of 41 products in this brand
ForTii® WX12-FC is a breakthrough high-temperature polyamide with halogen-free and halogen-containing flame retardant grades for demanding applications in the electronics, lighting, automotive, white goods, industrial, and aerospace industries. That means a high-temperature polyamide with a broad and versatile portfolio of grades that deliver high performance with a unique balance of properties. It has excellent hydrolysis resistance, processability, and surface quality and is ideal for complex and thin-walled food and water contact applications. It has a 40% glass reinforcement, PA4T, USP Class VI classification, food contact quality, and drinking water grade. It is best suited for injection molding.

Polymer Name: Polyamide 4T (PA 4T)

Processing Methods: Injection Molding

Fillers Included: Glass Fiber

Flexural Modulus: 14000.0 - 14000.0 MPa

Technical Data Sheet
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Knowde Enhanced TDS

Identification & Functionality

Chemical Family
Fillers Included
Plastics & Elastomers Functions
Technologies

Features & Benefits

Applications & Uses

Plastics & Elastomers End Uses
Plastics & Elastomers Processing Methods

Properties

Mechanical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Tensile Modulus14500 / 14800MPaISO 527-1/-2
Tensile Modulus (-40°C)14800 / -MPaISO 527-1/-2
Tensile Modulus (120°C)9500 / -MPaISO 527-1/-2
Stress at Break225 / 200MPaISO 527-1/-2
Stress at Break (-40°C)250 / -MPaISO 527-1/-2
Stress at Break (120°C)130 / -MPaISO 527-1/-2
Strain at Break2.1 / 2%ISO 527-1/-2
Strain at Break (-40°C)2.2 / -%ISO 527-1/-2
Strain at Break (120°C)5 / -%ISO 527-1/-2
Flexural Modulus14000 / -MPaISO 178
Flexural Strength350 / -MPaISO 178
Charpy Notched Impact Strength (+23°C)11 / -kJ/m²ISO 179/1eA
Thermal Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Melting Temperature (10°C/min)325 / *°CISO 11357-1/-3
Temperature of Deflection Under Load (1.80 MPa)305 / *°CISO 75-1/-2
Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion (Parallel)0.3E-4/°CASTM D696
Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion (Normal)0.35E-4/°CASTM D696
Burning Behavior (1.5 mm Nominal Thickness)HB / *ClassIEC 60695-11-10
Thickness Tested1.5 / *mmIEC 60695-11-10
UL RecognitionNo / *
Typical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Humidity Absorption1.6 / *%Sim. to ISO 62
Density1540 / -kg/m³ISO 1183
Electrical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Volume Resistivitymin. 1E13 / min. 1E13Ohm*mIEC 62631-3-1
Electric Strength35 / -kV/mmIEC 60243-1
Rheological Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Molding Shrinkage (Parallel)0.35 / *%ISO 294-4
Molding Shrinkage (Normal)1 / *%ISO 294-4
Grade Coding for Injection Molding

ForTii® glass fiber reinforced injection molding grades.

Regulatory & Compliance

Certifications & Compliance

Technical Details & Test Data

Temperature Settings for Injection Molding
Mold Temperature

ForTii® can be used with a wide range of tool temperatures (80 - 150°C / 176 - 302°F). However, to achieve optimal mechanical properties and stable dimensional parts with optimal surface quality, it is recommended to apply a tooling temperature above the glass transition temperature (Tg) of ForTii’ (125°C / 257°F), preferably 140°C/284°F.

Barrel temperature

Due to the high melting point of ForTii® this temperature should be set high enough to provide a homogeneous melt without getting too near to the degradation temperature of 350°C / 662°F. A flat or rising temperature profile is recommended. Optimal settings are governed by barrel size and residence time. Furthermore, the temperature settings for small parts/machines can typically be 5-10°C lower to avoid excessive outgassing/mold deposit.

ForTii® ® WX12-FC - Temperature Settings For Injection Molding

Mold/Tool Measured Melt Nozzle Front Center Rear
80 - 150°C 330-350°C 330-345°C 330-345°C 325-340°C 320-330°C
176 - 302°F 626-662°F 626-653°F 626-653°F 617-644°F 608-626°F

Given barrel temperature settings are for shot weights > 2 grams. For smaller shot weights (< 2 grams) barrel temperature settings are typically 5-10°C lower.

Melt Temperature

To generate a good and homogeneous melt, the melt temperature should always be above 330°C / 626°F. Optimal mechanical properties will be achieved at melt temperatures between 330-350°C / 626-662°F. Melt temperatures on the low side of this window are recommended to minimize the risk of mold deposit. The advise is to frequently measure the melt temperature by pouring the melt in a Teflon cup and inserting a thermo probe into the melt.

Residence Time

Melt residence time for ForTii® in general should not exceed 4 minutes; preferably, melt residence time for ForTii® is <2 minutes. See also the separate section on residence time below.

Hot Runner Temperature

A hot runner temperature set to the same level as the nozzle temperature should work fine and not lead to excessive overheat of the ForTii® grade. When starting up, an increased tip temperature may be necessary to overcome a frozen nozzle.

Machinery for Injection Molding
Screw geometry

Typically 3-zone screw designs with volumetric compression ratios of approximately 2.5 work fine.

Steel type

Abrasive resistant tool steels which are normally used for glass and/or mineral reinforced materials are also to be used for ForTii® polymers in tools, nozzles and screws.

Nozzle temperature control

Due to the combination of the typical high melting temperature of ForTii® and consequently its high processing temperature, it is necessary to have a good temperature control for the nozzle. The use of an open nozzle or, even better, a reversed tapered nozzle with good temperature control and an independently-controlled thermocouple nearby the tip and heater bands with sufficient output is recommended. The nozzle temperature should be set as high as possible to prevent a cold slug, yet low enough to prevent excessive drool.

Venting design

A good venting design is crucial for good molding behavior (easy filling) and low outgassing/mold deposit. Blocked vents can lead to incomplete parts and/or burning at the end of the flow path (diesel effect). It is recommended to use venting on all inserts (explosive venting) and also on the runner system. Use decreased injection speeds during filling in order to make the venting as effective as possible.

Hot runner layout

The fast crystallization of ForTii® asks for specific hot runner design rules. For more details, there is also a special hot runner flyer available for all ForTii® grades. Please contact your Envalior sales or check our websites.

Try to achieve a close contact with your hot runner supplier and Envalior as the material supplier, to ensure that the
right hot runner system, is chosen.

When processing ForTii® with hot runners, keep in mind these basic rules:

  • Central bushing heated separately
  • Only use external heated system
  • Manifold heated from both sides
  • Tip with thermocouple in front (near gate)
  • Very accurate temperature control in the gate area
General Processing Settings
Screw Rotation Speed

To realize a good and homogeneous melt, it is advised to set a screw rotation speed resulting in a plasticizing time that is just within the cooling time. The rotational speed of the screw should not exceed 6500 / D RPM (where D is the screw diameter in mm).

Back Pressure

Back pressure should be between 5-30 bars effective. Keep it low in order to prevent nozzle-drooling, excessive shear heating and long plasticizing times.

Decompression

In order to prevent nozzle drool after plasticizing and retracting the nozzle from the mold, a short decompression stroke can be used. However, to prevent oxidation of the melt, which may result in surface defects on the parts, it is recommended to keep this as short as possible.

Injection Speed

Moderate to high injection speeds are required in order to prevent premature crystallization in the mold during injection phase and to obtain a better surface finish. The recommended injection speed profile goes from fast (for sprue and runner filling) to medium (for part filling) to avoid excessive shear heating and allow air to escape from the mold. Adequate mold venting is required to avoid burning at the end of the flow path (due to diesel effect).

Injection Pressure

The real injection pressure is the result of the flowability of the material (crystallization rate, flow length, wall thickness, filling speed). The set injection pressure should be high enough to maintain the set injection speed (use set injection pressure higher than the peak pressure if possible). Tooling air vents must be effective to allow optimum filling pressure and prevent burn marks.

Holding Time

Effective holding time is determined by part thickness and gate size. Holding time should be maintained until a constant product weight is achieved. Due to its fast solidification, holding time for ForTii® is short compared to other engineering plastics.

Holding Pressure

The most adequate holding pressure is the level whereby no sinkmarks or flash are visible. A too high holding pressure can lead to stresses in the part.

Cooling Time

Actual cooling time will depend on part geometry and dimensional quality requirements as well as the tool design (gate size). Due to the fast crystallization of ForTii®, a short cooling time is possible.

Melt Residence Time

The optimal Melt Residence Time (MRT) for ForTii® WX12-FC is < 2 minutes with preferably at least 50% of the maximal shot volume used. The MRT should not exceed 4 minutes.

A formula to estimate the MRT is described below:

𝑀𝑅𝑇 = (∏D³ρ/m) * (t/60)

MRT = Melt Residence Time [minutes]
D = Screw Diameter [cm]
p = Melt Density [g/cm³]
m = Shot Weight [g]
t = Cycle Time [s]

Please Note: In the calculation above, the hot runner volume has not been taken into account. When a hot runner is part of the setup, please add the hot runner volume to the calculation.

Startup/Shutdown/Cleaning for Injection Molding

Production has to be started and stopped with a clean machine. Cleaning can be done with PA6-GF or PAG6-GF, applicable cleaning agents or HDPE. Hot runners can also be cleaned and put out of production cleaning them with PAG-GF or PA66-GF.

Safety & Health

Safety

For the safety properties of the material, we refer to our SDS which can be ordered at our sales offices. During practical operation we advise to wear personal safety protections for hand/eye/body.

Production Breaks

During production breaks longer than a few minutes, we advise emptying the barrel. The temperature of the barrel and the hot runner [if applicable] should be reduced to a level far enough below the melting point of the compound in order to stop decomposition of the compound. When the hot runner, nozzle, or even the screw is blocked, be aware that under these conditions a sudden outburst of molten material can take place. Always wear personal safety protections for hand/eye/body.

Packaging & Availability

Packaging

ForTii® grades are supplied in airtight, moisture-proof packaging.

Storage & Handling

Material Handling
Storage

In order to prevent moisture pick up and contamination, supplied packaging should be kept closed and undamaged. For the same reason, partial bags should be sealed before re storage. Advisable is storage at room temperature.

Moisture content as delivered

ForTii® WX12-FC is packaged at a moisture level < 0.1 w%.

Conditioning before molding

To prevent moisture condensing on granules, bring cold granules up to ambient temperature in the molding shop while keeping the packaging closed.

Moisture content before molding

ForTii® WX12-FC is delivered at molding moisture specification (< 0.1 w%). We advise to pre-dry to a level of max. 500 ppm to overcome the fluctuation from package to package (see drying section below). Furthermore, predrying is required in case the material is exposed to moisture before molding (prolonged storage or open/damaged packaging).
Moisture content can be checked by water evaporation methods or manometric methods (ISO 15512).

Drying

ForTii® grades are hygroscopic and absorb moisture from the air relatively quickly. Moisture absorption is fully reversible under the following drying conditions without compromising material quality. Preferred driers are dehumidified driers with dew points maintained between -30 and -40°C / -22 and -40°F. Vacuum driers with N, purge can also be used. Hot air ovens or hopper driers are not suitable for pre-drying ForTii® grades; the use of such driers may result in non-optimum performance.

Moisture content Time Temperature
[%] [h] [°c] [°F]
0.1 - 0.2 and as delivered 2 100 212
0.2 - 0.5 4 - 8 100 212

>0.5

<100
or 24
or4

100
110
120

212
230
248

Regrind

Regrind can be used taking into account that this regrind must be clean/low dust content/not thermally degraded/dry, of same composition and similar particle size as the original material. The acceptable level of regrind depends on the application requirements (e.g. UL Yellow Card). Be aware that regrind can cause some small color deviations.