AUTOMOTIVE | INTERIORS AND EXTERIORS
degree of automation is generally always required. For all of these topics we offer solutions for customers. These include the proven energy efficiency of our machines that gives us a competi- tive advantage. In addition, Wittmann 4.0 integra- tion provides seamless and harmonised communi- cation within the entire work cell, as well as MES systems that ensure easy operation and detailed quality control.” Quality control when processing recycled
Above: The RC/UV series of compounds from Kraiburg TPE contains at least a 20% proportion of post-industrial recycled material
sion moulding, foaming and optical technologies, and very strongly for composite processes,” says Füreder. “Electromobility requires injection moulding solutions that combine high processing precision with a robust machine design. The background to this is that in many cases demand- ing, abrasive materials with a high flame retardant finish and high fibre content are processed. This increases the demands on the plasticising units.” To meet these new requirements of the automo- tive industry, Engel says that it offers a wide range of technologies. Examples include Organomelt technology in the field of lightweight composite construction for processing organic sheets and UD tapes, as well as Foilmelt and Clearmelt in the field of surface technology. These two multi-component IMD technologies make it possible to obtain high-quality and at the same time robust surfaces and to functionalise them in a cost-efficient manner. The automotive industry is still a dynamically
growing sales market, with plastic materials currently one of the most discussed topics in the sector, according to Wittman Battenfeld. “The characteristics of plastics over other materials is still crucial in the development and construction of new vehicle parts, both interior and exterior,” says Rainer Weingraber, Chief Executive Officer. “These include weight, integration of functionalities, insulation, various surfaces and a broad spectrum of design possibilities. Other factors influencing the market include the development of new technologies and resource-friendly design, as well as production paired with circular economy topics.” He continues: “There are also various factors driving developments. These include energy efficiency, lightweight design applications and quality control, as well as the integration of various functions in produced parts such as sensor foils or particles for quality control. Of course, a high
32 INJECTION WORLD | November/December 2021
materials can be difficult. Weingraber adds that there are always viscosity differences within a batch. To be able to compensate for this directly on the injection moulding machine, methods must be developed that can detect this, while also offering software solutions that can automatically compen- sate for these material fluctuations. Wittmann Battenfeld has developed software packages – HiQ Melt and HiQ Flow – specifically for this topic. For future-oriented operating concepts, one main
area of development is a modular system technol- ogy for IMD. At this year’s Fakuma show, the company introduced an interior module of the future. This development includes a complete system concept for decorated and functionalised surfaces, as well as a sensor-controlled, programma- ble overhead display light console, where operation is via touch through sensors integrated into the component. Operation through touch functions will make dozens of built-in parts superfluous. Weingraber adds that the company is also
investigating new injection moulding operating concepts. “At Fakuma, we gave our customers a taste of it – the Done by the Holo-Voice-Concept,” he says. “Of course, this is no short-term project, but it is a good look into the future of operating concepts.”
Moulding materials Kraiburg TPE has developed a new compound series for exterior automotive applications that contains at least 20% and up to 40% post-industrial recycled materials. The company says that the main target of development was the highest possible proportion of recycled materials in the individual hardness ranges. Adhesion to polypropylene enables the implementation of single-component and multi-component parts. The low density of the new compound series allows weight reductions of up to 25% compared to conventional TPEs. The RC/ UV series is particularly suited for exterior, under- side and under-the-hood areas of automotives. Kraiburg TPE Americas has also introduced
styrene block copolymer-based TPEs with superior flow properties for automotive interior applications.
www.injectionworld.com
IMAGE: KRAIBURG TPE
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