LCP
A liquid crystal polymer, for very thin walls
Typical values for the temper in the title
In LCP the polymer chains align with flow even in the melt, like a liquid crystal. The result: very low melt viscosity, so very thin walls and tiny parts can be molded; high strength and stiffness in the flow direction; low thermal expansion; and resistance to soldering heat.
It is used mainly for tiny connectors, component housings and electronic parts that go through reflow soldering, and also for small medical components. The limit: properties depend strongly on direction, and flow-meeting points (weld lines) are weak.
Mechanical and physical properties
| Property | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength Rm | 135-200 MPa | |
| Yield strength Rp0.2 | 135 MPa | |
| Elongation A | 1.5-3.5% | |
| Modulus of elasticity E | 9-14 GPa | |
| Density ρ | 1.70 g/cm³ | |
| Machinability | 50% | relative rating in the site database |
Structure and family
| Feature | Value | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Type | liquid crystal polymer (semi-crystalline) | flow and stiffness |
| Tm melting | about 280–330 °C (by grade) | |
| Directionality | very strong | properties depend on flow direction |
Typical values per producer data sheets.
Grades and versions
In engineering polymers, the choice is between an unfilled grade, filled grades (glass or carbon fiber) and special grades (bearing, medical, food). Filler strongly changes strength, stiffness and expansion.
| Version | Properties | When to choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Glass-fiber filled | stiff, dimensionally stable | connectors |
| Mineral filled | less directionality, less warpage | component housings |
Applications
- Tiny connectors
- Electronic component housings
- Parts going through reflow soldering
- Small medical components
- Antenna components
Fabrication
Molding
Flows excellently. Gate location sets fiber orientation and the location of weak weld lines.
Directionality
Across the flow strength is much lower. Design the part and the mold together.
Machining
Not usual: LCP is almost always molded to shape.
Compared with similar materials
| Material | Rm / Rp0.2 | Welding | When it is the better choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| PPS | 165 MPa | Ultrasonic | PPS: less directional, for larger parts · material page |
| PBT | 55 MPa | Ultrasonic | PBT: cheap, for lower heat · material page |
| PEI (Ultem) | 105 MPa | Ultrasonic | PEI: amorphous, for hot parts · material page |
Common mistakes
Placing load on a weld line
Where two flow fronts meet, strength is very low.
Designing to flow-direction strength in every direction
Across the flow strength is low.
Switching material without checking wall thickness
Thin walls suited to LCP cannot always be molded in another material.
Equivalents, standards and supply
| ASTM | D5138 |
|---|---|
| Standards | ASTM D5138 / UL 94 V-0 |
| Forms | pellets (injection molding) |
| Producers | Celanese Vectra · Solvay Xydar · Toray Siveras |
Learn more
Values are typical for an unfilled grade (unless stated otherwise) and for comparison only. In polymers, properties depend on grade, filler, temperature, moisture and load duration. For design, rely on the producer data sheet for the specific grade. Sources: ASTM classification standards (D8033, D5205, D5204, D6394, D4067 and others), producer data sheets, and the METAL HUB materials database.
Updated: October 31, 2026