Materials
Fig. 3. The joysteer X-by-wire system with precision gears made of Stanyl PA 46 resin from DSM Engineering Plastics is now in commercial production for the handicapped market.
The two partners have worked in closed collaboration on this project, as Rhodia Brazil developed the simulation analysis while Magneti Marelli Brazil dealt with parts validations. The collaboration of European and Brazilian teams from
PSA, Magneti Marelli and Rhodia has led to the homologation of Technyl A 218 V30 black, a glass fibre reinforced 6.6 polyamide, for both the AIM as well as the fuel rail used for the Brazilian market, a large user of bio-fuels with the flex-fuel system.
Rhodia has already developed a strong experience in under-
the-hood applications for flex-fuel engines. Indeed, besides its position of major actor of the PA 6.6 market and its Brazilian experience, Rhodia has developed a strong expertise in the field of permeation, acquired in its CNRS shared laboratory. Rhodia can thus support its automotive customers to face the new challenges imposed by European norms. Technyl PA 6.6 is then the material of choice, resisting to
high temperature and providing good permeability resistance for under-the-hood applications of the new vehicles.. To demonstrate how its materials can meet the evolving
requirements of Mexico’s key industries, SABIC Innovative Plastics showcased at Plastimagen Mexico 2010 the following applications, among others: Buick Lacrosse floor console featuring STAMAX long glass fibre polypropylene resin. The
material delivers 10–15 per cent cost savings and 20 per cent mass reduction, and enables parts integration; Cadillac CTS Wagon liftgate spoiler made with Cycoloy PC/ABS resin (Fig. 2). The material provides steel-like appearance and
performance, high modulus and ductility, and a low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) that allows tight cross-car body gaps.
In another new development, the joysteer X-by-wire system
with precision gears made of Stanyl PA 46 resin from DSM Engineering Plastics is now in commercial production for the handicapped market and available from car modification companies in Switzerland, Germany and the Benelux (Fig. 3). This rapid development from prototype to successful
commercialisation was achieved by the Swiss company Bozzio within record time of just three years. In this period, Bozzio obtained the strictest level of safety approvals for the European market, making joysteer X-by-wire commercially available to provide people with a disability a user-friendly solution to drive a car with safety and confidence. Bozzio foresees a host of potential applications for their
patented X-by-wire system in special-purpose vehicles. The gears sets made from Stanyl polyamide 46 (PA46)
resin in joysteer X-by-wire system translate the driver’s steering movements into vehicle control. ❒
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