Siemens says its material can be injection moulded

An electrically conducting hybrid material of plastics and metal could simplify the production of electrical components.

The material, developed by Siemens in Germany, can be processed by injection moulding. It comprises around 50% copper – giving it high conductivity – 10-20% plastics and a solder that melts at relatively low temperature.

Electrical components such as automotive fuel injection valves are routinely contained in plastic housings. The housings are traditionally injection moulded, then later coated internally with a metallic layer that acts as a conductor for various electronic components – which must be soldered to the conductor.

The new material could get rid of these post-processing steps, including soldering, because conductor tracks and contacts can be formed during injection moulding.