Consumables
Trelleborg Automotive Purchases Manufacturing Licence for the supply of Autothane Closed Cell Polyurethane Products
Friday 06. March 2009 - Trelleborg Automotive now has the manufacturing licence to produce Dow Hyperlasts Autothane products - made from an advanced polyurethane closed cell MDI* material that meets demanding OEM specifications for Noise Vibration Harshness (NVH), vehicle ride and handling improvements.
A high-performance microcellular elastomer, Autothanes closed cell structure competes with and, in some cases, outperforms NDI” based competitive products. The advanced material has excellent hydrolytic stability and can withstand repeated high load compression, returning to its original shape. The Autothane product is used primarily in suspension systems to manage shock, impact and vibration, improving vehicle handling and safety; and can be found in passenger car, commercial vehicle and motorsport applications. In addition, Autothane provides excellent resistance to water, salt, oils, fuels, chemicals, grease, ozone and microbial attack. It also withstands extremes of temperature and climate.
Commenting on the introduction of Autothane, Wade Singler, Micro Cellular Urethane Business Development Manager at Trelleborg Automotive, says, “This is an excellent opportunity for Trelleborg to extend its PU expertise and product offering. In addition it paves the way for future co-operation with the Dow Hyperlast team to create new hybrid materials that further meet changing market needs”.
As a result of Trelleborg Automotives move to process Autothane, the company expects to extend its product portfolio and build competitive edge, offering an extensive choice of polymer solutions that include rubber, silicon, thermoplastics, composites and polyurethanes. “The Autothane licence enables us to provide a more durable PU product for jounce bumper, top strut, spring seat, body mount and suspension bush applications”, explains Singler. “Autothane underscores our reputation for manufacturing and materials expertise and our proven ability to globally supply competitive products that meet specific industry requirements. Given Autothanes credentials, we expect it to prove an attractive alternative proposition to our customers.”
The agreement with Dow Hyperlast sees Trelleborg Automotive gain exclusive manufacturing rights for Autothane in both North and South America, and Europe. The company also has non-exclusive rights in Asia.
*Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate
“Naphthalene diisocyanate