SABIC enabling materials help auto producers' bag awards

Category award-winning applications included Chrysler Group (Body Interior, 2014MY Jeep Cherokee instrument panel) and Ford (Chassis/Hardware, 2014MY Fusion/Mondeo front bumper energy absorber). Use of materials and design support from SABIC made it possible for each to meet varying needs, from weight reduction and styling freedom to compliance with pedestrian protection regulations.

Each of the honored programs underscores the value of close collaboration across the value chain to drive innovation. They also highlight the problem-solving power of SABIC’s wide range of thermoplastic resin solutions, in combination with the company’s design and engineering support.

SABIC automotive customers have enjoyed a rich history of success in this competition. Since 2008, automotive applications with SABIC materials and support have produced 10 SPE Automotive Innovation Award winners, while an additional 16 applications have been named as finalists.

This year’s finalists with applications molded out of SABIC materials include Ford’s fully retractable panoramic roof system on the 2014MY Lincoln MKZ luxury sedan, Volkswagen’ polycarbonate-glazed side windows on the 2013MY XL1 diesel plug-in hybrid and Nissan’s battery pack system on the 2013MY LEAF electric vehicle.

“We are once again pleased to see our customers’ applications singled out as top industry innovations,” said Scott Fallon, general manager, automotive, SABIC’s Innovative Plastics business. “It is rewarding to play an enabling role and help our customers determine the optimum combination of design, process and material to bring these innovations to life. We are proud to be part of these awards and look forward to achieving more breakthroughs with our valued customers in the future.”

Chrysler Group Cruises to Top Spot in Body Interior

This is the second SPE-associated award for the 2014MY Jeep Cherokee instrument panel (IP), the first coming at last month’s Automotive Engineered Polyolefins Conference (TPO) in Detroit, organized by SPE’s Detroit section. Typical parts molded out of polyolefin resin are 2.5 to 4 mm, which means the parts are heavier and have longer molding cycles. Use of STAMAX 30YK270 resin from SABIC helped enable the thickness reduction to 2.0 mm, which saves weight and offers the potential to reduce cycle times by up to 30 percent.

The IP was specifically designed with STAMAX resin to reduce part thickness without sacrificing impact performance and strength, key attributes of the long glass fiber reinforced polypropylene material. Because less material is needed, the thin-wall part saves millions of pounds of plastic over the life of the program.