Ineos Styrolution said its Luran S KR 2864C styrenic grade had been selected by “a leading global car manufacturer” for a windscreen A pillar trim, the first commercial application of the material with new ColorForm technology.
The supplier claims the high-grade polymer with enhanced heat resistance and chemical resistance is already well-known in the automotive industry – for high UV stability and excellent ‘processability’. It believes component manufacturers will find the latest product “a more cost-efficient alternative to traditional painting and at the same time offering enhanced properties”.
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ColorForm developed by KraussMaffei is a liquid in-mould painting of the thermoplastic body material. The paint is injected directly between the mould and the part surface. No second work step is needed. The process streamlines painting and hardening into one.
A spokesman said: “It offers users a quick entry into processing of the future generation. It’s the next innovation, providing integrated processes for surface-coated components.”
ColorForm is claimed to set new standards in terms of efficiency. Taking advantage of polyuria from Panadur eliminates the need for mould release agents, resulting in a significant reduction of the process interval periods. Manufacturing costs are lower and work waste virtually eliminated because of a drop in reject rates.
The superior surface aesthetics of the final solutions allow for new designs while improving productivity and sustainability. Customers receive completely refined components, high-gloss and surface-textured products directly generated from the tool and completed without separate re-polishing. The material is said to be extremely scratch-resistant because of the polyurea coating and the result also ensures longer-lasting quality and sustainability.
