INTERIORS AND EXTERIORS | AUTOMOTIVE
Enhanced material properties, hybrid structures and traceability are all key focus areas for automotive moulders, writes Mark Holmes
Injection moulding meets future automotive needs
While the use of plastics in automotive applications has been instrumental in making cars lighter and more sustainable for both conventional models and the rapidly increasing range of electric vehicles, their use in interior and exterior roles grows ever more complex. Plastics manufacturers are introducing new materials with improved performance and mechani- cal properties, as well as more productive process- ing qualities and superior surface appearances. In addition, hybrid materials are finding new applica- tions. Changes in vehicle interiors resulting from the move towards autonomous driving are also provid- ing new opportunities for the injection moulder and machinery suppliers. The need to provide all components with 100% traceability is another area where injection moulding can play a principal role in the automotive industry of the future.
www.injectionworld.com
The trend towards autonomous driving is influencing how the interior of vehicles can be designed, according to Sumitomo (SHI) Demag Europe. “Materials in the future will play a greater role in creating a sensory experience,” says Henrik Langwald, Business Development Director Auto- motive. “For example, smart cars will use In Mould Decorative (IMD) films with sensors to create touch functionalities. This will likely reduce the number of components within the car’s interior.” In order to illustrate the potential possibilities, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag, in partnership with Kurz, recently developed a door trim with a high gloss day/night design. At K2019, a fully automated Systec Servo cleanroom cell, which featured a 6-axis robot with gripper, incorporated IMD to create a day/night design car door trim in less than
Main image: Automotive materials in the future will play a greater role in creating a sensory experience, says Sumitomo (SHI) Demag
November/December 2019 | INJECTION WORLD 57
PHOTO: SUMITOMO (SHI) DEMAG
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