High Performance Reinforced Reaction Injection Molding for Body Panels 1999-01-3242

New thermoset polyurethane polymers for automotive body panels can replace steel, SMC, and thermoplastics. These new materials offer short cycle times, thin wallstock, high temperature post mold processing, excellent durability, and new levels of productivity. Two new materials have been developed. One is a high-performance polyurea system that allows for oven bakes up to one hour at 190°C. The other is a high performance polyurethane developed for thin wallstock applications that has established new levels of productivity in the manufacture of rocker panels, fascia, and side moldings in Europe. The quality of these polymers is such that high productivity via robotic demold and trimming has been demonstrated. The durability of both these products is evident from the point of demold when the part exhibits an unprecedented toughness. Tight parameter control via a computer-based Expert System®¹ improves cycle times, monitors manufacturing, and reduces scrap.