Dräger safety and breathing devices made with LATI technical compounds to ensure resistance, reliability, and safety in medical and industrial applications
Electrical & Electronic, Thermally conductive
Electrical & Electronic, Thermally conductivebyadmin

Conductive Engineering Polymers for Road Safety

Blood alcohol monitoring is one of the most effective measures for preventing road accidents.
Dräger, an international leader in safety and medical technologies, has developed a range of smart breathalyzers designed to ensure reliable and immediate results for both law enforcement and private drivers.

The Interlock 5000 and 7000 models represent the latest evolution in this field: they integrate high-precision electrochemical sensors and automatic vehicle ignition locking systems in case of positive tests.
To ensure maximum efficiency even in extreme weather conditions, Dräger has chosen to use LATI thermally conductive compounds from the LATICONTHER family.

LATICONTHER: High Performance for Precision Breathalyzers

A breathalyzer’s operation relies on the precision of the electrochemical sensor, which must be maintained at a controlled and stable temperature to ensure reliable measurements.
For this reason, Dräger engineers selected a thermally conductive compound for breathalyzers capable of combining thermal efficiency, mechanical strength, and environmental stability.

Technical Characteristics of LATICONTHER Compounds:

  • Polymer base: PP or PA6.
  • Conductive filler: graphite up to 70% by weight.
  • Thermal conductivity: greater than 20 W/m·K (over 100 times that of standard plastics).
  • Operating temperature range: from -30°C to +85°C, compliant with automotive operating conditions.
  • Controlled electrical conductivity, useful for integration with sensors and circuits.
  • Food contact compliance (PP version), essential for mouthpiece applications.

These properties make LATICONTHER compounds ideal materials for mouthpiece heaters and sensors in breathalyzers, ensuring quick response times and precise measurements even at low temperatures.

Thermal Efficiency and Processability

One of the main advantages of LATI thermally conductive compounds is the ability to produce complex parts through injection molding, even with high conductive filler content.
The materials’ excellent rheological characteristics allow filling of thin cavities and intricate geometries, typical of miniaturized electronic components.

Property Indicative Value Technical Advantage
Thermal conductivity >20 W/m·K Rapid heating and sensor stability
Conductive filler 70% graphite Efficient heat dissipation
Temperature range -30°C to +85°C Reliability in automotive environment
Mechanical strength High Long-term dimensional stability
Electrical conductivity Controlled Compatibility with electronic modules

Thanks to these characteristics, LATICONTHER components maintain consistent performance over time, even after repeated heating cycles or exposure to thermal shock.

Certifications and Safety

Dräger Interlock breathalyzers equipped with components made from LATICONTHER have obtained important compliance certifications:

  • E1 Mark, for automotive use.
  • EN 50436-2 Certification, the European standard for alcohol-based interlock devices.

These certifications attest to the safety of use and technical compliance of LATI materials used in devices intended for preventing drunk driving.

Innovation and Reliability in Conductive Materials

The use of thermally conductive compounds for breathalyzers represents an important step toward more compact, safer, and sustainable devices.
Compared to traditional metals, LATI engineering polymers offer:

  • Reduced weight and greater design freedom.
  • Excellent thermal conductivity and dimensional stability.
  • Processability with standard molding techniques.
  • Compliance with food and electrical regulations.

These characteristics make them suitable not only for breathalyzers but also for automotive sensors, medical devices, and high-performance electronic components.

Contact Us

Discover LATICONTHER thermally conductive compounds for breathalyzers and automotive control devices.
Learn more about our solutions at www.lati.com or request a personalized technical analysis.

FAQ – Thermally Conductive Compound for Breathalyzers

  1. Why is thermal conductivity important in a breathalyzer?
    It ensures that the electrochemical sensor quickly reaches operating temperature, ensuring precise and reliable measurements.
  2. What materials are used for sensor heaters?
    The thermally conductive compounds based on PP or PA6 filled with graphite, such as LATICONTHER, thanks to their high conductivity and thermal resistance.
  3. Are LATI materials certified for food contact?
    Yes, the PP-based version is suitable for food contact, making it safe for components that interact with the driver’s mouth.