Soy-based RIM makes strong, light access door
Canadian Plastics
Molder G.I. Plastek utilized a soy-based polyurethane reaction injection molding system developed by Bayer Corporation to make the John Deere Harvester Combine rear access door. The door, which is tho...
Molder G.I. Plastek utilized a soy-based polyurethane reaction injection molding system developed by Bayer Corporation to make the John Deere Harvester Combine rear access door. The door, which is thought to be the first commercial application of a soy-based formulation in a high-density structural foam polyurethane RIM system, is made from Bayer’s Baydur IBS 730S polyurethane containing soybean derivatives. Each access door uses derivatives contained in 14 lb. of soybeans. The doors are painted using Plastek’s proprietary in-mold coating system, ProTek. G.I. Plastek recently received the Environmental Award for the door at the SPI Structural Plastics Division’s conference and parts design competition.
The access door replaces a component previously molded with a RIM system derived from standard petrochemical sources. The soy-based composite is extremely strong but weighs significantly less than steel or SMC. The formulation based on soybeans also provides physical and processing parameters equivalent to conventional formulations. Beginning with the 2002 model year, the entire line of John Deere Harvest Works combines will feature new soy-based composite body panels.
Bayer Inc. 800-668-2554
