The demands on the modern automotive industry are ever challenging – motorists want high performance cars but at the same time they are looking for improved reliability and safety, greater comfort, fuel efficiency, style, competitive pricing and, increasingly, reassurance about environmental impact. There is one family of materials that is rising to the challenge of these potentially conflicting demands: plastics. With their unique combination of properties, they are key to providing technological innovation with cost-efficiency and sustainability in mind
Many debates at a global level are influencing car design, from cleaner air to the management of cars at the end of their useful life. It is a challenge to all players – legislators, manufacturers and consumers – to ensure that all activities are undertaken in synergy in the overall drive for better safety and environmental protection.
Quick Facts
• In 1997, 1.7 million tonnes of plastics were used by the automotive industry, representing six per cent of total plastics consumption
• Compared to 20 years ago, the use of plastics in automotive manufacturing has grown by1,096,000 tonnes or 114 per cent –this represents an average increase of 30kg per car, from 70 to 100kg
Growing Demand
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The Changing Face Of Mobility
A brief look at the salient points on how plastics is transforming automotive manufacturing
Nippon Launches Weatherbond PRO
Nippon Paint (India) Private Limited (Decorative Division) Asia’s leading paint manufacturer launched the advertising campaign for Weatherbond PRO – the high durable exterior emulsion offering up to 15 years of protection against extreme climate conditions like prolonged exposure to heat, and heavy spells of rain. Based on extensive research done by Nippon Paint’s R&D team, this product was developed for customers who need advance protection for their home exteriors in terms of extended fresh look, strong waterproofing and protection from Algal and Fungal attacks.
Low-Pressure Molding Adopted Across Industries
Henkel’s Technomelt Low-Pressure Molding technology meets demands for encapsulation of electronics and medical components
TotalEnergies and Jindal Films To introduce Certified Circular Polypropylene
TotalEnergies and Jindal Films have joined forces to produce more sustainable flexible food packaging and labels. Using advanced recycling technology from Plastic Energy, TotalEnergies will supply Jindal Films with Certified Circular Polypropylene produced from postconsumer plastic waste. This new value-chain collaboration will divert plastic waste currently destined for incineration and landfill because it is too complex to recycle through existing schemes.
Lenzing's VEOCEL™ Brand Launches Hydrophobic Lyocell Fibres With Dry Technology
In its quest to drive greater sustainability in the personal care and hygiene industry, the VEOCEL™ brand has launched a new offering: VEOCEL™ branded lyocell fibres with dry technology which are naturally smooth and gentle on skin, ensuring comfort for sensitive skin. Absorbent hygiene products are an indispensable part of many consumers’ lives and are relied upon daily. As these are essential items, it is important that they should offer maximum comfort and relief to the user. This is demonstrated by the new VEOCEL™ branded lyocell fibres which have the capacity to provide a high level of comfort, softness and dryness, when applied in these types of products.
Simulating Injection Molding for Efficiency
Producing high-quality, plastic injection-moulded parts more quickly and cost-effectively has become a critical factor for manufacturing success in today’s global market. Instead of engaging in slow, expensive prototype iterations and test cycles to satisfy manufacturing requirements, designers, mold makers, and manufacturing professionals can leverage SOLIDWORKS® Plastics mold-filling simulation software to optimise parts for manufacturability, refine tooling to improve quality and shorten cycle times to reduce manufacturing costs
Leveraging 3D Printing for optimised Injection Molds
A guideline from Formlabs on the factors to consider before using stereolithography (SLA) 3D printed molds in the injection molding process to lower costs, reduce lead times, and bring better products to market
iglidur I151 for FDA-compliant, Detectable, Wear Resistant Parts In Food Technology
igus has developed a blue, food-compatible tribo-filament for cost effective 3D printing of special parts. iglidur I151 is blue, prints easily, and has an optimal coefficient of friction and wear. The new tribo-filament is a refinement of the easy-to-machine igus iglidur I150 all-rounder filament. Because it is blue, it can be used to manufacture special parts that are optically detectable in the food industry. Food compatibility according to the FDA and to EU Regulation 10/2011 also qualifies the high-performance polymer for use in the food and cosmetics industries.
Exceptional Warpage Control
SABIC’s new LNP™ THERMOCOMP™ compounds deliver exceptional warpage control
Digital Transformation in Plastics
Automation in the plastics industry is becoming more complex, the pace of innovation is accelerating, and competitive pressure is increasing. Open and safe automation makes it possible to combine traditional mechanical engineering with the latest Industry 4.0 technologies – Lets take a look at how Industry 4.0 is transforming the plastics sector
