This content is not included in
your SAE MOBILUS subscription, or you are not logged in.
Silicone Elastomer Reduces Noise, Vibration, and Squeaks in Vehicle Instrument Panels
Annotation ability available
Sector:
Language:
English
Abstract
Felt tape has traditionally been used as a cushion material between thermoplastic instrument panel (IP) components such as bezels, steering column covers, and trim to reduce noise, vibration, and squeaks that normally develop when plastic materials are adjacent to one another. However, felt tape is expensive as a raw material, and its application is labor intensive.
While searching for an alternative cushion material, exploration showed that the use of a one-part, room-temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone elastomer offered lower raw material and labor costs versus the felt tape. The RTV silicone elastomer also did a superior job of reducing noise, vibration, and squeaks and provided improved fit for a higher level of overall quality.
This paper will describe the process of evaluating the silicone elastomer as a desirable alternative and the cost comparisons of both silicone and felt tape materials. The actual process of applying the silicone elastomer as a cushioning material on the IPs of 1995 General Motors C/K light truck and sport utility vehicles will also be described. Background material on the chemistry of silicone RTVs and some of their other applications in the automotive industry will be presented as well.
Recommended Content
Citation
Broo, R., Derico, A., and Liechty, D., "Silicone Elastomer Reduces Noise, Vibration, and Squeaks in Vehicle Instrument Panels," SAE Technical Paper 950635, 1995, https://doi.org/10.4271/950635.Also In
References
- “Automotive News,” October 10 1994
- “Ward's AutoWorld,” October 1994
- Lapinski, Michael R. Kerr, Stuart R. “Industrial Applications of Silicone Adhesives and Sealants,” GE Silicones 1992
- Egelman, Nico “Engineering Plastics for the Automotive Industry,” GE Plastics 1994