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How Microcellular Foam Molding Changes the Cost Structure of Injection Molded Automotive Components: A Review of the Process and Automotive Applications
Technical Paper
2002-01-0717
ISSN: 0148-7191, e-ISSN: 2688-3627
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English
Abstract
The MuCell® microcellular foam injection molding process is being applied by the world's leading automotive components manufacturers as a core plastics manufacturing technology to achieve (1) higher productivity, (2) vehicle weight reduction, (3) quality improvement, and (4) cost savings.
The microcellular foam injection molding process results in automotive components that are lighter, flatter, straighter, and more dimensionally stable at extreme operating temperatures compared to conventionally molded parts.
The process uses supercritical fluids (SCF) of inert gases, typically nitrogen or carbon dioxide, to create evenly distributed and uniformly sized microscopic cells throughout a polymer. Suitable for injection molding (as well as extrusion and blow molding), the microcellular foam process enhances product design, improves processing efficiency, and reduces product costs.
Driven largely by economics, a transition from conventional molding to microcellular foam processing is occurring within an extensive range of vehicle systems including powertrain and chassis, interior and exterior systems, electrical/electronic systems, and thermal and energy systems.
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Hyde, L., Kishbaugh, L., and Katterman, J., "How Microcellular Foam Molding Changes the Cost Structure of Injection Molded Automotive Components: A Review of the Process and Automotive Applications," SAE Technical Paper 2002-01-0717, 2002, https://doi.org/10.4271/2002-01-0717.Also In
References
- Pierick D. Jacobsen K. “Injection Molding Innovation: The Microcellular Foam Process” May 2001
- Ticona GmbH “MuCell Technology” October 2001
- Ticona GmbH “MuCell Microcellular Foam Molding” October 10 2001
- Wilden AG “MuCell - A New Impulse” October 2001
- Trexel, Inc. “The Economics of the MuCell Process” October 2001