DowDuPont Transportation & Advanced Polymers Drives Global Application Development at SPE Innovation Awards
WILMINGTON, Del., (PRWEB) December 19, 2017 -- DuPont Automotive, part of DowDuPont Transportation & Advanced Polymers, materials and development support helped propel three automakers to wins at the 47th Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE®) Automotive Innovation Awards Competition. Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz and the Ford Motor Company all drew accolades for implementing new application technology during the society's 47th annual Automotive Innovation Awards Gala in Livonia, Michigan, on Nov. 8, 2017. The winning and nominated parts described below were all made using DuPont materials.
“We would like to extend our thanks and congratulations to everyone who engaged in this year’s SPE Innovation Awards process,” said Brian Fish, automotive marketing manager with DowDuPont. “We had six very strong entries and four finalists. Such a strong showing in an event highlighting creativity, innovation and successful execution is a great demonstration of our value proposition and collaborative development processes.”
Winner, Powertrain Category
Hyundai took first place in the Powertrain Category for its use of DuPont™ Zytel® XT polyamide and DuPont™ Vamac® ethylene acrylic elastomer in a turbocharger twin T-joint outlet on one of its Genesis luxury sedans. By replacing the cast aluminum/thermoset rubber incumbent material with molded plastic, the part enables a significant (double digit in percentage) weight and cost reduction, as well as noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) performance benefits and NVH performance benefits. Additionally, the injection-molded plastic outlet was assembled using a novel combination of infrared and vibration welding to reduce cost and minimize potential contamination in the finished component. Hyundai, DuPont and first-tier automotive supplier Hwaseung R&A brought together their unique and additive capabilities to deliver this awarded innovation.
Finalist, Powertrain Category
Also in the Powertrain Category, the Ford Motor Company earned finalist status for an injection-molded thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) single-assembly six-speed transmission baffle assembly on its 2018 Ford Focus. Fabricated using DuPont™ Hytrel® thermoplastic elastomer, the baffle assembly enables reduced chain and gear sprocket drag, improving fuel economy and enhancing fluid passage to the sump for reduced pump whine noise. Ford customers benefit from improved fuel economy and a quieter, more pleasing ride.
Finalists, Chassis/Hardware Category
Daimler AG was a finalist in the Chassis/Hardware category for the glass fiber-reinforced nylon engine brackets on its 2017 Mercedes-Benz M264 E-Class coupe. Supplied by ElringKlinger AG, the system was fabricated using DuPont™ Zytel® polyamide. Once again, advanced CAE and material characterization techniques correlated well with physical testing to reduce the investment risk and accelerate the development time of this bracket. The nylon engine bracket significantly improves NVH behavior and reduces weight and thermal conduction while facilitating recyclability versus the incumbent material.
Finalist, Safety Category
Ford Motor Company was a finalist in the Safety category for an all-plastic hood leveler on the 2018 Lincoln Navigator. Designed to manage pedestrian hood-to-head impact for reduced head trauma, the leveler was supplied by MacLean-Fogg Co. and fabricated using a multi-material approach including DuPont™ Zytel® and DuPont™ Delrin® acetal resin. Along with the safety advantages the hood leveler brings to the vehicle, the part also provides a 35 percent cost savings and 50 percent weight savings.
DowDuPont Transportation & Advanced Polymers is a business segment of DowDuPont Specialty Products Division.
About DowDuPont Specialty Products Division
DowDuPont Specialty Products, a division of DowDuPont (NYSE: DWDP), is a global innovation leader with technology-based materials, ingredients and solutions that help transform industries and everyday life. Our employees apply diverse science and expertise to help customers advance their best ideas and deliver essential innovations in key markets including electronics, transportation, building and construction, health and wellness, food and worker safety. DowDuPont intends to separate the Specialty Products division into an independent, publicly traded company. More information can be found http://www.dow-dupont.com.
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12/19/17
The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont™, and all products denoted with ® are trademarks or registered trademarks of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company or its affiliates.
Donna Swain, DuPont Automotive, http://www.automotive.dupont.com/, 302-999-2669, [email protected]
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