The materials selected by STEAB for the production of components intended for electrical, electromechanical, and lighting systems have technical and physical characteristics to ensure consistent performance in operation and compliance with industry standards. All materials used share five key requirements: high electrical insulation for circuit safety; thermal insulation for stability near heat sources; mechanical resistance, meaning the ability to withstand external forces (tension, compression, bending, impacts) without breaking or permanently deforming; resistance to corrosive agents (humidity, salt spray, oils, compatible bases and solvents) to preserve functionality and appearance over time; extreme lightness to reduce loads on devices and panels. The combination of quality engineering polymers and elastomers allows for robust, dimensionally stable, and quick-to-install components, ensuring continuity of the insulation chain—from cable passage to junction—and reliability in both indoor and outdoor environments, even harsh ones: the materials used by STEAB are selected to offer the best performance in the most demanding applications.

Below, we will explore the mechanical, electrical, thermal, and chemical properties of each material, highlighting their possible applications.

Why it is used: industrial standard for accessories and fasteners due to its strength-to-weight ratio, dimensional stability, and injection moldability. STEAB employs it in multiple product families (lighting, electromechanics, cable glands).

Mechanical Properties: High tensile strength (60-90 MPa) and elastic modulus (2000-3000 MPa) make Nylon 66 ideal for components requiring robustness and durability.
Thermal Properties: Withstands temperatures from -30°C to +120°C, suitable for environments with significant thermal variations.
Electrical Properties: Excellent insulator with a dielectric strength of 25-30 kV/mm, perfect for electrical applications.
Chemical Properties: Resistant to oils, greases, and many chemical solvents.
Applications: Used in bushings, gears, precision components in sectors such as automotive and appliances.

Why it is used: in addition to its technical properties of toughness when subjected to impacts, its transparency makes it very suitable for projects where aesthetics are very important. STEAB lists it among the key materials.

Mechanical Properties: Extremely impact-resistant, PC has a tensile strength of 55-75 MPa.
Thermal Properties: Thermal stability up to 120°C.
Electrical Properties: With a dielectric strength of 30-35 kV/mm, it ensures safety in electrical applications.
Chemical Properties: Resistant to corrosion and abrasion.
Applications: Protective covers, transparent components in lighting and security sectors.

Why it is used: combination of flexibility, chemical resistance, and cost/benefit in cable glands and inserts. STEAB cites it among the materials for electronic cable glands.

Mechanical Properties: Flexibility with a tensile strength of 15-35 MPa.
Thermal Properties: Operative between -40°C and +80°C, ideal for outdoor environments.
Electrical Properties: Effective insulator with low moisture absorption.
Chemical Properties: Excellent chemical resistance, suitable for contact with aggressive substances.
Applications: Cable sheaths, insulating components in appliances.

Mechanical Properties: High strength and stiffness, with a tensile strength of 60-90 MPa.
Thermal Properties: Superior thermal resistance up to 130°C.
Electrical Properties: Excellent insulator, suitable for electronic components.
Chemical Properties: Resistant to chemical agents, ideal for industrial environments.
Applications: Electrical connector components, parts of electronic equipment.

Mechanical Properties: Good flexibility and tensile strength of 30-50 MPa.
Thermal Properties: Usable up to 70°C.
Electrical Properties: Reliable insulator with a dielectric strength of 15-25 kV/mm.
Chemical Properties: Resistance to many acids and bases.
Applications: Pipes, cable coatings, gaskets, cable glands, and insulating components where flexibility is required.

Why it is used: high-temperature engineering polymer for lighting fixtures and components near heat sources. Listed by STEAB among premium materials.

Mechanical Properties: Extremely high thermal and mechanical resistance, with a tensile strength of 70-150 MPa.
Thermal Properties: Stability up to 200°C, ideal for high-temperature applications.
Electrical Properties: Excellent insulating properties and a dielectric strength of 15-20 kV/mm.
Chemical Properties: Superior resistance to almost all chemicals.
Applications: Components for advanced electronics, aerospace sector, and high-performance automotive applications.

Mechanical Properties: Acetal is known for its high mechanical strength, rigidity, and dimensional stability, with a tensile strength of about 70 MPa. It is particularly valued for its resilience and resistance to wear and fatigue.
Thermal Properties: Can operate in a temperature range from -40°C to +120°C, making it suitable for applications requiring durability in variable temperature conditions.
Electrical Properties: Excellent dielectric properties with a strength of about 20 kV/mm, usable in electrical components where insulation is crucial.
Chemical Properties: Resistant to most solvents, but sensitive to strong acids and oxidizing agents. This characteristic requires consideration in chemical applications.
Applications: Widely used for gears, bearings, precision components in machinery and devices, pump and valve parts, and in automotive for components not subject to high thermal stress.

• Why they are used: elasticity, IP sealing, vibration decoupling, and tolerance absorption; STEAB uses them in cable glands and wiring accessories.
• Electrical Insulator: silicones and TPEs are excellent dielectrics, ideal for contact with cables.
• Thermal Insulator: silicone stable over a wide thermal range; useful near drivers/LEDs.
• Resistance to Corrosives: excellent resistance to water, ozone, salt spray, many chemical agents; essential for outdoor/industrial environments.
• Lightweight: reduced density and optimized geometries for lightweight and flexible cable grips.

• Why it is used: proprietary composition GEL used to wrap the junction and electrically insulate it, ensuring IP68 protection.
• Electrical Insulator: the gel maintains dielectric properties over time, preventing surface tracking and micro-infiltrations.
• Thermal Insulator: thermally stable behavior, dampens peaks and differential expansions.
• Resistance to Corrosives: inherently hydrophobic; protects against moisture, salt, dust, and aggressive agents.
• Lightweight: compact/lightweight system compared to on-site filled boxes.

• Compliance and approvals for lighting: selection of materials and compounds designed to meet product standards (e.g., EN 60598 for lighting fixtures) and self-extinguishing/glow wire requirements for the electrical environment. This reduces the risk of non-compliance during product certification.
• Reliability in hostile environments: combining technical polymers (PA66/PPS/PC) with elastomers and dielectric gel allows for continuous insulation chains—from cable passage to junction—with resistance to vibrations, thermal shocks, dust, and immersion (IP68).
• Installation efficiency: lightness reduces loads on panels and brackets; the elasticity of the correct polymers speeds up assembly and tolerance absorption; pre-filled Paguro connectors shorten installation times and reduce field errors.
• Durability and TCO: the chemical and environmental resistance of these materials reduces maintenance (less oxidation, less moisture migration, fewer loosenings), improving the total cost of ownership of the system over its lifecycle.

Selecting the appropriate material is crucial to ensure the performance and longevity of electromechanical components. Each material described offers specific properties that make it suitable for certain industrial applications, ensuring reliability and efficiency. With a deep understanding of material properties, designers and engineers can best exploit the unique characteristics of each material, thus optimizing the design and functionality of their electromechanical systems.

STEAB S.r.l. is committed to researching and employing the best materials, ensuring optimal solutions for every specific technical need for its clients.