Teijin Chemicals, the resin and plastic processing business arm of Teijin Group, has declared that Panlite AM-9937F has been specifically developed for use in automotive applications. This new material combines an ultra-smooth surface and exceptional dimensional precision.
The product designs are enabled by this material that were unattainable in the past because of the limitations in traditional metal. The company intends to commercialize this new material for use in external automotive body components and garnish, and anticipates attaining yearly sales of 10 billion yen, by financial year 2020.
Panlite AM-9937F is a lightweight polymer alloy, which is a combination of the company’s own polycarbonate Panlite and polyester resin. The main feature of the material includes flexibility in design, moldability, high resistance to corrosion, heat and impact, and a low linear expansion coefficient. Automobile manufacturers are provided with an option to minimize the weight of components by approximately 20%, with the help of this new material. Panlite AM-9937F has been used in the LEXUS HS250h hybrid sedan’s luggage door garnish.
Enhanced fuel efficiency and reduction of vehicle weight have been prioritized in the automotive industry. Metal and glass are being increasingly replaced by resins in order to minimize the weight of automotive components like frames, windows and body parts. Different kinds of resins, especially polycarbonate, have been extensively utilized in parts such as hubcaps and door handles. Manufacturers are looking forward to use resins for larger components that include fenders and rear doors, as there is an increasing demand for lightweight vehicles. Thus, new resin from Teijin will gain a strong market in view of these reasons.
Green chemistry has a main theme of minimizing the weight of automobiles. The company’s materials and technologies aid in saving and improving the global environment.
Source: http://www.teijin.co.jp/