Innovations in materials, processing technology promise renewed opportunities

Though the automakers are going through significant changes and some serious distress, their suppliers from the plastics sector are looking toward a better for future for the vehicle business. New product and technology just keep on coming. Here are a few examples.

DSM innovating for auto E/E applications (1)
Electrical and electronic (E/E) applications are one of the major drivers for innovation in the automotive industry, according to Richard Frissen, automotive business development manager at DSM Engineering Plastics. “For years, the value of electric and electronics content in automotive has been growing between 5% and 10% per annum,” says Frissen. “New electrical systems and components are added to improve car comfort, safety, or fuel economy, and engineering plastics play an important role in this segment. Typical applications include junction boxes, ECU housings, E-motors, gear housings, bobbins, connectors, switches, and wire harness insulation.”

DSM sources say its Arnite PBT/PET is ideal for E/E applications, providing dimensional stability and excellent chemical resistance. It is used for fuse boxes, electric control unit (ECU) covers, actuator housings, and sensors. In addition to standard glass-reinforced grades, DSM also offers Arnite TV8 260 with high toughness, improved hydrolysis resistance, and enhanced fatigue performance for applications such as rear wiper gear housings.


Sabic Innovative Plastics helps Ford F-150 shine as North American Truck of the Year (2)
Sabic IP says its broad portfolio of special-effects resins offers an expanding selection of materials to help designs stand out from the competition. Direct metallization of molded plastic parts is a commonly used process for creating lightweight lighting bezels. Ford Motor Co. designed the direct-metallized rear bezel for its 2009 Ford F-150, together with Automotive Components Holding LLC. The companies selected Sabic’s Valox V2000DM PBT resin for the F-150’s stylish, metallic-looking rear lamp bezel. The result: The Ford F-150 won the 2009 North American Truck of the Year Award.


Hyundai selects bright film to replace two processes (3)
Hyundai Kia Motor Co. specified Soliant’s Fluorex bright film on the current Verna (Accent in Europe) Grille for improved part durability, streamlined manufacturing, and environmental benefits. Previously, the grille was chrome-plated, followed by painting. “Fluorex bright film is replacing two processes with one very clean process,” said Ho-Tak Jeon, research engineer for polymers for HKMC. Soliant’s bright film provides UV and scratch resistance, and cleanability with high-pressure power washing equipment. —Clare Goldsberry