Sirmax expands certified compound range at Fakuma 2026

Sirmax will present an expanded range of certified thermoplastic compounds and new process optimisation software at Fakuma 2026, which will take place from 12 to 16 October at the Friedrichshafen exhibition centre. The company will exhibit in Hall B2, Stand 2209. The developments focus on materials for the electrical and electronics sectors, including halogen-free flame-retardant compounds made from virgin raw materials or containing recycled material obtained through mechanical or chemical recycling. Sirmax, which has manufacturing operations in Europe, the Americas and Asia, is also extending its international certifications to support the use of these materials in high-performance applications. The portfolio presented at the fair will include additional UL certifications and a number of new Yellow Cards currently undergoing certification.

The certification programme covers V0 flame-retardant, halogen-free compounds based on nylon 6 and nylon 66, with fibre contents ranging from 25% to 40%. It also includes nylon 6 V2 grades with fibre contents from 20% to 30%. All these formulations are PFAS-free. Sirmax is additionally developing certifications for unfilled, V0 flame-retardant and halogen-free compounds based on nylon 6 and nylon 66.

Flame-retardant grades for electrical applications

The company is also expanding its amorphous polymer portfolio through the certification of Green flame-retardant polycarbonate and PC blend grades containing mechanically recycled material. Another addition is a series of filled and unfilled flame-retardant polypropylene grades that are free from halogens and PFAS and have achieved 5VA certification.

The range is complemented by a new UL certification for a V0 flame-retardant, halogen-free TPV elastomer. According to Sirmax, this certification creates opportunities for the material in markets where flame resistance is an essential requirement.

The certified materials are intended for critical applications including automatic switches, circuit breakers, connectors, terminals, and medium- and low-voltage power distribution systems. The certifications will also cover Relative Thermal Index requirements, which are relevant to components designed for prolonged operation at elevated temperatures.

Sirmax states that the new formulations combine technical performance and safety with a reduction in carbon dioxide footprint through the use of circular raw materials. Its manufacturing presence in several regions allows the company to reproduce the same formulations in different parts of the world, with the aim of maintaining supply continuity, consistent quality and supply-chain resilience.

Artificial intelligence supports process adjustment

Sirmax will also demonstrate Aria, a system developed by Smart Mold that uses artificial intelligence algorithms to support the optimisation of injection-moulding processes. The software automatically analyses part quality, identifies defects and recommends adjustments intended to help operators restore optimal process conditions.

Aria has already been validated in an industrial environment. According to the information provided, the system reduced the number of trials required during process adjustment by up to 88% and the waste generated during process restarts by up to 94%. It is designed to support improvements in production efficiency, energy consumption and process repeatability.

The software evaluates whether a process is improving or deteriorating and indicates when targeted corrective action is required. It also converts experience gained during mould testing and set-up into a shared knowledge base that can subsequently be used by less experienced operators. Aria can be installed on older-generation injection-moulding machines without modifying the existing equipment.

"The market is demanding increasingly high-performing, certified and sustainable materials, as well as more efficient and reliable production processes," said Massimo Pavin, President and CEO of Sirmax Group. "The innovations we are presenting at Fakuma move in this direction, expanding the availability of certified solutions, accelerating the integration of circular raw materials and developing tools capable of generating value throughout the supply chain. Innovation and sustainability are now two inseparable drivers of our growth strategy, and Fakuma provides the ideal platform to present this evolution to our international customers."