According to Dave Wilkinson, Materials Engineering Manager, Piper Plastics, “Because these chips have hundreds of metal contacts inserted into a single socket over 100,000 times, dimensional stability is critical in making sure the metal contactors are aligned correctly with the circuit board. Our proprietary grade has excellent dimensional stability and tolerance control across a broad range of temperature and humidity conditions.”

The EPM-2204U-W grade maintains impact strength, stiffness and minimum levels of creep. When compared to some traditional test socket materials such as polyamideimide (PAI) and other imidized
polymers, this grade based on VICTREX PEEK polymer has greater hydrolytic stability. And, when compared with ceramics, it is half the weight and offers greater impact resistance and toughness. It also has excellent processability and wear performance. Additional benefits include good dielectric properties for insulative applications and a clean, white color.

Says Wilkinson, “We machine test socket components from blanks that we mold using the EPM-2204U-W grade. We like the excellent machinability for tighter pitch and fine diameter holes. Our tight tolerance machining and near net injection molding capabilities lend themselves very well to
this new grade.”