Familiar transformed into new

In June the injection moulding machine manufacturer Ferromatik Milacron issued an invitation to their Automotive Technology Theme Day. We used the invitation as an opportunity for a discussion with the Managing Director, Dr. Michael Koch, about the company’s strategies in relation to the automotive sector. ....read more!

Come for a spin in the world of the automobile
Automotive Day invitation from Degussa

Automotive Theme Days have become increasingly popular just lately (see also page 10). In June Degussa threw open its doors to guests who were given an overview of the services and products which the company offers the auto industry and its suppliers. ....read more!

Sliding to success
Sliding bearings made from plastic

In mechanical engineering sliding bearings fabricated in plastic are an established alternative to those manufactured in metal and they are also increasingly gaining ground in the automotive sector. Automotive applications call for sliding bearings which are resistant to wear, maintenance-free and can demonstrate thermal stability. Sliding bearings made from polymers such as those manufactured by Igus in Cologne / Germany meet these requirements and can replace metal rolled bushes and antifriction bearings. ....read more!

Three ways to save
Ultramid compounds cut costs

New Ultramid nylon compounds of BASF, Ludwigshafen/Germany, offer cost savings in three areas: material, moulding and finishing. Three new Ultramid grades demonstrate how such savings can be achieved. ....read more!

Class A surface with top aesthetics and durability
PBT grades are ideal for automotive headlamps

In close collaboration with Automotive Lighting GmbH and Coko Werke, DSM Engineering Plastics developed two materials for use in and around the headlamp of the 2003 model Audi A3. In developing the styling for this headlamp, Audi decided to specify the use of plastic parts where the appearance does not need to be enhanced by post-treatment. ....read more!

Multi-functionality at Roof Level
Folding Roof Frame is a Metal Section partially encapsulated in Plastic

The Dutch processor of plastics and metal, Parree bv, manufactures the assembly frame for the folding roof on the Citroën C3 Pluriel on a tie bar less injection moulding machine from Engel. The Assy Glass Frame (as this rotational framework is called) enables the driver of the Pluriel to retract the folding roof as well as the rear window into the boot space. Because the part is so complex, Parree enlisted the help from the start of the input materials manufacturer Ticona as a partner in the development project. The manufacturer of the complete roof module is Inalfa Roof Systems. ....read more!

A Powerful Link
Hybrid Technology for Ford Focus C-Max Front End

The Ford Focus was the first volume production vehicle with a front end to be consistently developed using hybrid technology. Now Ford is also kitting out its new compact van, the Ford Focus C-MAX, with a hybrid front end. ....read more!

German-Japanese Cooperation
Smart front end carrier without metal parts

A front end carrier made from plastic and without any metal reinforcements? No way! This had been the unanimous opinion of the specialists. The joint development between Smart and Mitsubishi (MMC) for the Forfour and Colt models proved that a different approach is possible. We wanted to find out whose brains were behind it and how the people concerned had succeeded in gaining acceptance for progressive ideas of this kind within the company. ....read more!

Automotive components and their packaging from one source
EPP solutions for the automotive industry

There is some interesting news coming out of Portugal. The Peniche based Plastimar Lda. is a significant manufacturer of parts in Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) for the automotive industry. Additionally they manufacture the transport packaging for their components to ensure their safe transportation to Tier 1. ....read more!

Enhanced Productivity and Better Quality thanks to LFI
Parat Automotive adapts PUR foam backing technique for use in bonnet manufacture

The plastics technology division at Parat Automotive Schönenbach in Neureichenau/Germany produces tractor bonnets for CNH Global N.V. Up to now the bonnets have been produced using the GFK process. However, since December 2003, Parat Automotive has been manufacturing these components with markedly shorter cycle times and improved quality using the LFI process. Painting of the sections as previously required has now been omitted. ....read more!

Read more about several products for the automotive industry
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