LFRT hits the road in PT Cruiser
Canadian Plastics
HP Pelzer Automotive Systems is creating durable, sound-deadening belly pans for diesel models of DaimlerChrysler's PT Cruiser using Compel PP-GE30-0501 polypropylene long-fibre reinforced thermoplast...
HP Pelzer Automotive Systems is creating durable, sound-deadening belly pans for diesel models of DaimlerChrysler’s PT Cruiser using Compel PP-GE30-0501 polypropylene long-fibre reinforced thermoplastic from Ticona.
The company chose the LFRT technology over fibreglass-reinforced sheet molding compound.
The belly pan sits beneath the engine and reduces drive-by noise to meet European regulations.
“The part needs to be flexible and must withstand impact from stones and other objects,” says Pat Wundrach, program manager at HP Pelzer. “We first compression molded the belly pan out of sheet molding compound (SMC), but road tests showed it was too brittle.”
“Compel LFRT gives us a higher use temperature than we achieved with SMC and a more consistent thickness through the part.” It also provides smoother edges.
Compel LFRT contains one- to two-inch long fibres chemically coupled to a plastic matrix. They flow well to provide consistent glass fibre concentration and create smooth surfaces. The material is generally plasticized and extruded into a compression mold.
Ticona 734-878-9396
