Tyco Electronics, Harrisburg, Pa., has introduced its Raychem Spec 55 series of low fluoride aerospace wire and cable. The company says it is the first low fluoride version of cross-linked ethylene tetraflourothylene (XL-ETFE) wire available in the aviation industry. According to Tyco, minimizing fluoride levels is important because in traditional XL-ETFE installations, fluoride can evaporate, combine with moisture and generate a corrosive substance. Corrosion impacts performance and reliability in sensitive aircraft electronics.
Tests have demonstrated low corrosion characteristics of Spec 55 that are similar to polytetrafluoroethelene (PTFE) material. According to Tyco, the cables and wires offer an improvement over standard mil-spec XL-ETFE insulation material currently in use. There are also benefits to electronics assemblies that are stored in sealed containers for long periods of time. Spec 55 wires and cables also can be used in test and measurement equipment in aircraft and satellite applications. The wires, which are compliant with Europe’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive, have a non-melting insulation system with an operating range of 150 to 200 degrees C. The new product’s handling qualities are compatible with existing automated stripping and termination machines. Visit www.tycoelectronics.com.