How Microcellular Foam Molding Changes the Cost Structure of Injection Molded Automotive Components: A Review of the Process and Automotive Applications

2002-01-0717

03/04/2002

Event
SAE 2002 World Congress & Exhibition
Authors Abstract
Content
The MuCellĀ® 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.
Meta TagsDetails
DOI
https://doi.org/10.4271/2002-01-0717
Pages
14
Citation
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.
Additional Details
Publisher
Published
Mar 4, 2002
Product Code
2002-01-0717
Content Type
Technical Paper
Language
English