SABIC highlighted thermoplastics enabling higher-bandwidth
Summary
The company’s EXTEM and ULTEM thermo-optical resins, featuring exceptional near-infrared (IR) transparency and ultra-high-heat performance, can contribute to the improved speed, bandwidth capacity and energy efficiency of data centers. A microscope will be available for visitors to view parts made with these materials, including aspherical test lenses and a mountable lens array with multi-fiber push-on (MPO) connector pins. Also, SABIC representatives will discuss upcoming materials with even higher near-IR transparency that enable the use of advanced assembly processes to boost productivity and reduce costs. EXTEM RH1016UCL resin, launched globally in 2022, can withstand the 260°C peak temperature of printed circuit board (PCB) reflow soldering while maintaining the dimensional stability required of complex molded lenses and arrays. ULTEM 3310TD resin, which also debuted in 2022, features a very low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), which can play a key role in maximizing the dimensional stability of collimator lenses and pinpointing alignment with single-mode fibers.