MS941-03 Thermoplastic Polymeric Materials

MS941-03 Thermoplastic Polymeric Materials

The “MS941-03 Thermoplastic Polymer Materials” standard, developed by Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation, is a material specification that defines the requirements for thermoplastic polymer materials used in automotive wiring harness connectors. This standard defines the necessary material classifications, performance criteria, and qualification tests to ensure that connector plastics maintain reliable electrical and mechanical performance throughout the vehicle's lifespan.

MS941-03 Thermoplastic Polymeric Materials

Unlike general plastics standards such as ISO or ASTM, the MS941-03 standard is an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specific engineering specification designed for suppliers producing connector housings, terminal holders, gaskets, and other plastic electrical connector components for Hyundai and Kia vehicles.

The main objectives of this standard are:

  • To standardize the plastic materials used in cable harness connectors.
  • To ensure compatibility between connector components from different suppliers.
  • To verify long-term durability under automotive environmental conditions.
  • To prevent electrical failures caused by material degradation.
  • To improve production consistency and quality control.
  • To support global supplier competence.

The MS941-03 standard applies to thermoplastic materials used for the following purposes:

  • Electrical connector housings
  • Terminal holders
  • Connector covers
  • Locking mechanisms
  • Secondary locks
  • Connector block components
  • Sensor connectors
  • Engine compartment connectors
  • Internal electrical connectors

This specification focuses on the plastic material itself rather than the overall connector assembly.

The MS941-03 standard covers numerous engineering thermoplastics commonly used in automotive electrical systems. These include:

  • Polyamide (PA6, PA66)
  • Glass fiber reinforced polyamide
  • Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)
  • Polyphthalamide (PPA)
  • Polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate (PCT)
  • High-temperature engineering plastics
  • Flame retardant plastic compounds

Material grades are classified using Hyundai/Kia internal type designations, which typically correspond to specific performance requirements.

The MS941-03 standard generally evaluates the following material properties:

  • Mechanical properties: Materials are tested for the following properties:
    • Tensile strength
    • Elongation
    • Flexural strength
    • Impact resistance
    • Dimensional stability
    • Fatigue strength
    • Creep resistance

These features enable the connectors to withstand mounting forces and prolonged vehicle vibrations.

  • Thermal performance: Automotive connectors often operate in harsh thermal environments. Tests typically evaluate the following:
    • Heat aging resistance
    • Continuous operating temperature
    • Heat deflection temperature
    • Thermal cycle
    • Thermal shock
    • High temperature dimensional stability

Engine compartment connectors require significantly higher heat resistance than internal connectors.

  • Electrical properties: Electrical insulation performance is critical. Typical assessments include:
    • volume resistance
    • Surface resistance
    • Dielectric strength
    • Comparative monitoring index
    • Arc resistance
    • Post-aging insulation performance
  • Environmental resistance: This standard verifies the automotive's resistance to environmental conditions, including the following:
    • Gender
    • water absorption
    • Salt exposure
    • Automotive fluids
    • Motor oils
    • Fuel
    • coolant
    • Brake fluid
    • Cleaning chemicals
    • Gender
    • Weather resistance
  • Chemical resistance: Bonding plastics must be resistant to the following:
    • Petrol
    • Diesel fuel
    • Engine oil
    • Transmission fluid
    • Windshield washer fluid
    • battery electrolyte
    • Stoneware
    • Cleaning agents
    • Road salt

Exposure should not cause the following:

    • Cracking
    • Swelling
    • Softening
    • color change
    • Loss of mechanical strength
  • Flame resistance: Many material classes include flame retardant requirements. Tests may include:
      • Spontaneous extinguishing behavior
      • Horizontal or vertical burn tests
      • Heat resistance after ignition
      • Flame propagation characteristics

    Some grades are designed to meet specific flame retardant classifications.

    The MS941-03 standard refers to standardized laboratory methods for the evaluation of the following:

    • Tensile properties:
      • Flexural properties
      • Impact resistance
      • Water absorption
      • Thermal aging
      • Dimensional change
      • Density
      • Melt flow properties
      • Electrical insulation
      • Chemical resistance
      • Flammability
      • Environmental aging

    Wherever possible, internationally recognized ISO, ASTM, or IEC methods are used, along with Hyundai/Kia-specific qualification procedures.

    • Material qualification process: Before approval, a material typically goes through the following stages:
      • Material identification
      • Physical characteristics test
      • Mechanical testing
      • Thermal testing
      • Electrical test
      • Chemical resistance test
      • Environmental durability test
      • Production consistency verification

    Only materials that meet all specified requirements are approved for use in Hyundai/Kia electrical connectors.

    Materials approved under the MS941-03 standard are generally used in the following areas:

    • Engine wiring harnesses
    • Transmission coupling elements
    • Airbag fasteners
    • ABS fasteners
    • ECU connectors
    • Sensor connectors
    • Battery connectors
    • Lighting connectors
    • Fuse Boxes
    • Relay housings
    • junction boxes
    • Internal electronic modules

    Complying with the MS941-03 standard offers several advantages:

    • Improved electrical reliability
    • Greater resistance to harsh automotive environments.
    • Longer service life
    • Reduced connector failures
    • Better production consistency.
    • Improved supplier quality assurance.
    • Interchangeability of approved materials.
    • Compliance with Hyundai/Kia engineering requirements.

    The MS941-03 standard is primarily used by:

    • Automotive plastic compound manufacturers
    • Connector manufacturers
    • Cable harness suppliers
    • Injection molding companies
    • First-tier automotive suppliers
    • Manufacturers of electrical components
    • Materials testing laboratories
    • Hyundai and Kia engineering teams

    In conclusion, modern vehicles contain hundreds of electrical connectors that are exposed to vibration, humidity, chemicals, and extreme temperatures over many years. Even minor degradation of connector plastics can lead to loose terminals, electrical short circuits, or system failures. The MS941-03 standard helps prevent these problems by defining consistent material performance requirements and qualification testing for thermoplastic connector materials. This contributes to reliable electrical systems, fewer warranty claims, and increased vehicle durability.

    In short, the MS941-03 standard is an engineering material specification for thermoplastic polymers used in automotive wiring harness connectors. It defines material classifications and qualification requirements covering aspects such as mechanical strength, thermal stability, electrical insulation, environmental durability, chemical resistance, and flame performance. By standardizing these requirements, the specification helps ensure that connector materials provide safe and reliable performance throughout a vehicle's operational life.

    The main sections of this standard are as follows:

    • Density
    • Tensile strength
    • bending strength
    • Flexural modulus
    • Izod impact strength
    • Heat distortion temperature
    • Flammability

    For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, has been understanding the needs of its clients, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting them in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services compliant with the MS941-03 standard.

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