Vampter PBT Compounds
Vampter is a range of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) based compounds manufactured by VAMP TECH Spa and supplied to the UK market by Abbey Polymers. Recognised for their outstanding electrical properties, excellent chemical resistance, and superior dimensional stability, PBT compounds are a natural fit for demanding electrical and electronic applications. The Vampter family extends beyond standard PBT with two additional alloy platforms, Vampter C (PC/PBT) and Vampter Q (PBT/ASA), giving manufacturers access to a broad spectrum of performance characteristics from a single product range.
Abbey Polymers stocks and supplies the Vampter range, providing UK manufacturers with reliable access to high-quality PBT-based compounds backed by expert technical support.
The Vampter Product Range
The Vampter family is built on three platforms, each combining the core strengths of PBT with additional properties suited to specific application requirements.
Vampter (PBT Compounds)
The core Vampter range is based on polybutylene terephthalate and includes glass fibre reinforced, mineral-filled, and mixed glass fibre and mineral formulations. These compounds offer excellent electrical properties, including high Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) values of 600V and above, making them particularly well suited to high-voltage electrical applications. Flame-retardant options include both halogen-free and PBDE/PBDF-free systems, with selected grades achieving UL 94 V0 at thicknesses as low as 0.25 mm and 5VA at 0.8 mm. Outstanding glow wire performance (GWFI 960 and GWIT greater than 775 at low wall thicknesses) further supports the use of Vampter compounds in unattended electrical equipment.
Mixed glass fibre and mineral-filled grades (up to 45% total filler loading) are available for applications requiring a combination of high rigidity, excellent dimensional stability, and superior electrical performance.
Vampter C (PC/PBT Alloy Compounds)
Vampter C compounds blend polycarbonate with PBT to create an alloy that combines the chemical resistance and processability of PBT with the impact strength and toughness of polycarbonate. Available with 30% and 35% glass fibre reinforcement, these halogen-free compounds offer good mechanical properties, strong dimensional stability, and very low smoke density and toxicity. This makes Vampter C a strong option for applications in public transport, building interiors, and other environments where fire safety performance and low smoke output are critical.
Vampter Q (PBT/ASA Alloy Compounds)
Vampter Q compounds blend PBT with ASA (acrylic styrene acrylate) to deliver improved UV resistance and weatherability alongside the inherent strengths of PBT. Available with 30% glass fibre reinforcement and flame-retardant properties, Vampter Q is designed for applications that are exposed to sunlight and outdoor conditions, such as exterior automotive components, outdoor electrical enclosures, and EV charging infrastructure. The ASA component provides long-term colour stability and resistance to environmental degradation without the need for additional UV-stabilising treatments.
Features & Benefits of Vampter Compounds
- Outstanding Electrical Properties: PBT delivers inherently strong electrical performance. Vampter compounds achieve CTI values of 600V and above, making them ideal for high-voltage applications where electrical safety and insulation are critical.
- Exceptional Glow Wire Performance: Selected Vampter grades achieve GWFI 960 and GWIT greater than 775 at very low wall thicknesses, supporting compliance with the requirements for unattended electrical equipment.
- Excellent Dimensional Stability: PBT’s low moisture absorption and consistent shrinkage characteristics ensure tight tolerances and reliable part quality, particularly in mixed filler grades.
- Superior Chemical Resistance: PBT offers strong resistance to a wide range of chemicals, oils, and solvents, making Vampter compounds well suited to automotive, industrial, and electrical applications where chemical exposure is a factor.
- Versatile Flame-Retardant Options: Halogen-free and PBDE/PBDF-free systems are available across the range, with selected grades achieving UL 94 V0 at 0.25 mm and 5VA at 0.8 mm.
- Alloy Options for Specialist Requirements: The Vampter C (PC/PBT) and Vampter Q (PBT/ASA) alloys extend the range into applications requiring enhanced impact strength, low smoke output, or outdoor weatherability.
- Extensive Certifications: Many Vampter grades carry UL Yellow Card certifications. All formulations meet current REACH and RoHS requirements.
- Customised Solutions: Working alongside VAMP TECH’s R&D and regulatory teams, Abbey Polymers can support the development of bespoke Vampter formulations tailored to specific project requirements.
Typical Applications for Vampter Compounds
- Electrical and Electronics: Connectors, terminal blocks, relay bases, circuit breakers, and switch housings where high CTI, strong glow wire performance, and flame retardancy are required. PBT’s fast crystallisation and low shrinkage also support efficient production of precision-moulded electrical components.
- E-Mobility: Battery management housings, charging connectors, high-voltage junction boxes, and sensor enclosures for electric vehicles, where the combination of flame retardancy, high CTI, and chemical resistance is particularly valuable.
- Household Appliances: Motor housings, fan assemblies, control panels, and internal structural components for domestic appliances, where UL certification, 5VA rating, and glow wire compliance are commonly required.
- Automotive: Under-the-bonnet components, sensor housings, and exterior trim (using Vampter Q for UV-exposed parts) where chemical resistance, heat stability, and dimensional accuracy are essential.
- Rail and Public Transport: Interior components and electrical housings using Vampter C grades, where low smoke density and toxicity are required alongside mechanical performance.
- Construction: Electrical distribution components, junction boxes, and outdoor enclosures where flame retardancy and weatherability are needed.
Common Vampter Grades
Find the Right Vampter Grade for Your Application
With a broad selection of PBT-based compounds available and the technical expertise to match the right grade to your requirements, Abbey Polymers is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your project, request samples, or learn more about how the Vampter range can support your next application.