ABS/PC blend finds home in BMW glove box application

Following a close cooperation with ABS resin specialist Elix Polymers (Tarragona, Spain), BMW Group has selected ABS/PC blend Elix Ultra 4105 LNS308 for the production of injection-molded glove box compartments. These are produced at the BMW Group plant at Landshut in Germany and used for a range of BMW car models, including the BMW 1 series, 3 series, 5 series and 5 Gran Turismo.

The tailor-made Elix Ultra grade was specifically developed to meet the application's challenging technical requirements. The material has to be compatible with secondary processes: flocking, foaming and welding. This was to address processing problems experienced previously as well as reduce overall cycle times.

The newly developed ABS/PC blend reportedly offers better processability which has resulted in a significantly lower scrap-rate of injected parts. Moreover, flowability has been increased resulting in reduced cycle times, so that more parts per hour can be produced.

Fabian Herter at Elix Polymers commented: "The outstanding collaborative relationship between the technical departments of BMW Group and Elix Polymers has delivered a customized solution with measurable cost savings and productivity gains."

Herter concluded: "This collaboration with BMW Group is an excellent example of how we work closely with OEMs and Tiers. Working with the industry, Elix Polymers has been able to develop a new high Heat ABS Portfolio with very low emissions and high flow. These new products meet the stringent requirements of the automotive industry and are suitable for interior and exterior applications."