Ticona Materials Expert To Join SAE International Webcast

Engineering Polymers materials expert had participated in a SAE International webcast that had explored ways in which original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can use engineering thermoplastics to meet weight reduction targets and, at the same time, increase vehicle performance and reduce costs.

Hansel Ramathal, technical marketing manager, Celstran® LFRT (long fiber reinforced thermoplastics) Business Group at Ticona, had focussed on material technology and design approaches that can provide OEMs with many opportunities for weight and cost savings. He had joined in the panel discussion by Dr. Matthew J. Zaluzec, manager of Global Materials and Manufacturing Research, Ford Motor Co.'s Research and Innovation Center, and Marco Barbolini, Product Manager for Air Intake Systems, Röchling Automotive AG. The free hour-long webcast, which was broadcasted on Nov. 18 2010 and titled "Weight is the New Cost: Weight and Cost Reduction Strategies for Tomorrow's Vehicle", was hosted by SAE International's Automotive Engineering International magazine.

OEMs are setting aggressive targets for weight reduction of anywhere from 250-500 pounds per vehicle. To meet future regulations, every subsystem is being examined for potential weight reduction opportunities.

In this webcast, the panel had discussed how thermoplastics can yield greater design freedom and explore how certain engineering polymers can bring significant cost savings to final parts or components. In addition, alternative material technologies and processes had been presented, and an example of a successful metal-to-plastic replacement using new technologies had been shown. The webcast had concluded with a question-and-answer period for the audience. This panel had explored:

• New vehicle weight reduction targets and strategies
• Benefits of engineering polymers
• Continuous fiber thermoplastic composites and selective reinforcement
• New alternative technologies and processes
• Cost reduction through parts consolidation and elimination of secondary finishing operations (machining, painting, plating, etc.)
• Molded-in-color materials for interior components
• Chemical-resistant materials for alternative fuel systems
• Low emission materials