Design guideline for plastic parts that need to fulfil EN62368 norm

Abstract

The EN62368 norm is a European standard that specifies the safety requirements and the testing procedures that all audio/video, information and communication technology equipment need to fulfil. In order to fulfil this standard, all mechanical engineers should change the way of designing the parts and respect new rules that can increase the cost of production for all plastic parts. These changes will lead to a higher tool complexity and high material costs. Plastic material suppliers are starting to change their focus and develop new V0 materials with better and eco-friendly properties according to the market needs. Plastic materials with flame retardant compounds (FR/V0 – classification according UL94) need to pass all flammability requirements and tests and according to environment regulations, the plastic materials that are halogen free are more are more requested. In general, halogen free systems produce less smoke and less toxic components in smoke. Benefits of halogen free V0 materials is a better flame-retardant property, low smoke toxicity, low smoke obscurity and no corrosive gases. The tool complexity will increase because we must reduce, even avoid, the openings in all plastic parts because they will allow oxygen to get inside the ECUs and oxygen is maintaining the flame, making a potential ignition source to increase her breadth. Reducing the openings in a plastic part, will lead to adding sliders inside of the mould and sliders involves higher costs. Although, depending on the current that goes through the ECU, we can recommend you some design modifications that will save money and time for your project.