Chemically cross-linked resins generation II [motor winding insulation]

Over the past several years, motor winding manufacturers have experienced incredible pressures being applied from stiff competition and increasing environmental regulations within the USA and around the world. With these factors in mind, the varnish and resin industry has taken steps to reduce environmental emissions, speed up process times, and give to motor manufacturers a means to gain that important competitive edge. The introduction of chemically cross-linked resins for the impregnation of motor stators, armatures, coils and transformers, was the first step taken to help manufacturers cut volatile organic compounds, production time, waste, energy costs, and other concerns from their process. These elements have led many companies to seriously investigate the use of chemically cross-linked resins. Many facilities have switched production already and are seeing massive improvements in their processing and performance, as well as reduction in cost normally associated with manufacturing. Others have seen the benefits but, up to this time, were reluctant to invest in the meter-mix and dispense equipment which was required to properly utilize Generation I type resin. Here, the authors describe how a second generation of resins has been developed, which allows for the mix of resin and catalyst prior to use without meter-mix equipment. It is his belief that every manufacturing plant now using a high temperature oven cure process can benefit from this new resin technology.