Materials Science
ELIX Polymers selected by Gigaset for new alarm component housings

Gigaset, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of cordless (DECT) phones and the clear market leader in Europe, has chosen ELIX M201AS from ELIX Polymers, a leading manufacturer of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resins and derivatives, for the housings of various components in its new Gigaset Smart Home Alarm system.

Three key properties called for by Gigaset for the housings were UV stability, chemical resistance and high gloss surface finish, without the need for any post-moulding treatments. ELIX M201AS, coloured in a customized white, best met the company’s requirements.

“ELIX M201AS has been our material of choice for many years for our DECT phones because it offers an excellent surface quality combined with chemical resistance and perfect processability, as well as very good mechanical properties,” says Johannes Benning, an engineer at Gigaset. “It also has very good antistatic properties, so that products do not attract dust. It made sense for us to extend its use into our complementary range of products in home safety.”

In fact, ELIX M201AS is used in many electrical and electronics applications around the home. Its physical and chemical properties are ideal for parts in continuous, long-term use, for which high-quality surface appearance is especially important. The compound contains special additives, not only to give it extra UV stability, but which also enable parts to be marked by lasers for identification and decorative purposes.

“We are very proud of the long cooperation with Gigaset and for being considered as a reliable and preferred partner for high quality ABS,” comments Joachim Kroeger, Sales Manager ELIX Polymers. “We believe that the close collaboration that we have with the technical department at Gigaset – and indeed at many other customers and partners – enables us to analyse and identify their technical needs and to provide the best technical solutions and service.”

ELIX Polymers backs up its comprehensive offering in ABS with customer services based on flexibility, proactivity, proximity to customers, a global perspective, and tailor-made solutions. Its multidisciplinary technical service team is equipped with the capabilities and resources to support customers throughout their product development processes. Whether it is a new colour development or the selection of the right material to comply with complex regulations, ELIX Polymers can provide highly experienced professionals with specialist knowledge in market segments that span automotive, appliances, E&E, consumer goods, healthcare, and beyond.

The Gigaset Smart Home Alarm system provides protection solutions for homes of all sizes, keeping owners up to date about the security status of their properties via a combination of small local sensors, cloud-connection and smartphone app. The Gigaset elements alarm system S contains base station, door sensor, motion sensor and siren and can be individually extended by a Wi-Fi-indoor camera and several other sensors.