When Extra Performance Counts, MSD Ignition Counts on DuPont™ Thermx® PCT

EL PASO, Texas, Nov. 13, 2003 – MSD Ignition, a world leader in performance automotive ignition technology, is stepping up to DuPont™ Thermx® PCT high performance polyester for coil forms in its MSD® ignition coils.

The first MSD® coil to go to Thermx® PCT is the Blaster SS, often mounted one-per-cylinder in modified street cars and stock car racers. Made with efficient E-core windings, Blaster SS packs a powerful punch: 300 milliamps at up to 40,000 volts.

Blaster SS coils using a bobbin molded from Thermx® withstand open-circuit bench tests conducted by MSD Ignition at 70,000 volts, the limit of its test rig, with no arcing, or cracking of the coil form.

“Thermx® PCT gives us an edge with higher voltage and temperature capabilities,” reports Lynn Kiphart, process engineer at MSD Ignition. “We intend to transition to Thermx® PCT for a number of bobbins used in high-performance coils for racing, other forms of competition and street use. For new designs, Thermx® also opens up possibilities for reducing coil size with the use of smaller, thinner bobbins,” Kiphart added.

Thermx® PCT has a very high melting temperature of 285°C (545°F). It also exhibits excellent dielectric properties at elevated temperature. At 150°C, for example, dielectric strength is 25 kV/mm (ASTM D149, 1.5 mm, 500 V/s) for Thermx® CG033, the grade used for the Blaster SS coil.

Vibration resistance is another key benefit of coils made with Thermx®. Most MSD® ignition coils are potted in epoxy, which adheres very well to Thermx®, according to MSD Ignition. The combination thus resists separation by vibration to maintain optimum electrical performance.

The Blaster SS coil’s housing and cover are molded from DuPont® Rynite® FR530 PET polyester, which provides good strength, stiffness and toughness at under-the-hood temperatures.

Over the past four years, MSD Ignition has adopted DuPont™ Rynite® PET polyester for a wide range of coil forms, housings and other components of its ignition systems. “In the future, we’ll choose among Thermx® PCT, Rynite® PET and other materials for these components, according to application requirements,” Kiphart said.

MSD Ignition, a unit of Autotronic Controls Corporation, is based in El Paso, Texas. For more information about the company and its products, please visit www.msdignition.com or call 915-857-5200.

DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by solving problems and creating solutions that make people’s lives better, safer and easier. Operating in more than 70 countries, the company offers a wide range of products and services to markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

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MSD® is a registered trademark of Autotronic Controls Corporation.

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Coil bobbin molded from DuPont™ Thermx® PCT delivers outstanding performance in MSD® Blaster SS ignition coils used in modified street cars and stock car racers.

11/13/03