Boosting camera module performance, from noise reduction to fatigue resistance and flawless focus

By Wendy Lu
Global Advanced Development Expert – Electronics, Envalior

Today’s camera modules are mechanical marvels, but under the hood, materials make or break their performance. Arnitel® Performance TPC is a high-performance elastomer that eliminates acoustic noise, suppresses particle generation and resists thermal and mechanical fatigue. It’s cleaner, stronger and more consistent than TPU. Plus, it’s engineered for precision manufacturing and long-term reliability at scale.

The hidden enemies of smartphone cameras

Smartphone users demand DSLR-level performance in a device that fits in their pocket. From image stabilization to periscope zoom, camera modules are expected to execute complex functions in milliseconds – under intense thermal, mechanical and environmental pressure.

But performance isn’t just about optics or electronics. The materials surrounding your voice coil motor (VCM) can quietly undermine image quality, reliability and user satisfaction.

We’ve observed three recurring pain points:

Acoustic noise: a telltale clicking that undermines the user experience
Microparticles: generated by surface abrasion, degrading image clarity
Fatigue: reduced damping over time, impacting optical image stabilization (OIS) performance and autofocus speed

In ball-type VCMs, ceramic balls are suspended when unpowered. With TPU dampers, impacts cause audible noise and release debris, adding unnecessary failure points into a tightly controlled environment. In high-volume production, even minor material defects can result in thousands of units falling short of spec.

Why Arnitel® TPC outperforms

Arnitel® Performance is engineered to address these exact challenges. A thermoplastic copolyester elastomer (TPC), it retains its damping properties and structural integrity even under prolonged exposure to temperature extremes and repeated mechanical strain.

In testing:

After 255 compression cycles, Arnitel® TPC showed <1% strain
TPU under the same conditions exceeded 5% strain

That kind of difference doesn’t just show up in the lab—it drives real-world improvements in durability, reliability and user satisfaction. For applications like OIS-enabled modules, where consistency across 50,000+ cycles matters, Arnitel® TPC is the difference between a premium experience and a service center visit.

Arnitel® Performance also resists wear. Its superior abrasion resistance prevents the powdering and surface breakdown common with TPU, keeping internal optics cleaner for longer.

Built for manufacturing—not just performance

Arnitel® Performance’s advantages don’t stop at performance. Its high melt flow index and clean processing profile make it an engineer’s ally in production.

Key benefits:

Lower injection pressure and faster mold fill
No need for mold-release additives
Excellent release from tooling—reducing downtime
Compatibility with multi-cavity molds for volume efficiency

For OEMs under pressure to launch faster, cut costs and meet yield targets, Arnitel® Performance enables design freedom without the usual trade-offs.

Designed to last

The European Union’s Regulation 2023/1669 highlights where smartphone design is headed: more durable, more repairable and more environmentally sound. Even when not explicitly applied to camera modules, materials matter more than ever.

Arnitel® Performance helps meet these expectations head-on. Its longevity, processing efficiency, and performance track record make it the material of choice for the premium devices of today and tomorrow.

Whether you're developing a high-zoom periscope module or consolidating parts in a space-constrained design, Arnitel® Performance equips your team with confidence, and your customers with performance that lasts.