The Hyundai Mobis IP Core Part Development Project finished a 19-month series of tests comparing a PC/ABS material with a new PP material filled with hollow glass microspheres. We were exploring new material formulations that would help reduce overall part weight and costs in the production of instrument panel core parts, research by engineer for the Cockpit Module Design Project.
That using the PP material with hollow glass microspheres achieved a 16.8% reduction in weight, and lowered the finished part cost by a solid 50% (cost of materials in Korea), compared with the same cores made in PC/ABS.
In addition, we experienced improved material flowability and better dimensional stability compared to current talc-filled polypropylene. The change allowed the use of existing tooling, so no capital outlay there, and also reduced part warpage.
This article comes from plasticstoday edit released
