DETROIT, March 4 /PRNewswire/ -- The assembled front end module of the BMW
Mini-Cooper, new to the U.S. this spring, will be on display at the Owens
Corning Automotive booth at the SAE 2002 World Congress. The front end module
features StaMax(R) P, a new thermoplastic composite developed jointly by
OC(TM) Automotive and DSM Automotive Polymers. Other StaMax P applications on
display include a sealed door module, scheduled to be launched on a high
volume B-Class car in the spring of 2002.
StaMax was formed as an Owens Corning and DSM joint venture in the
Netherlands in February 1999. Its goal was to combine each company's unique
capabilities in glass fiber reinforced thermoplastics. Owens Corning brings
its patented process and proprietary glass fiber technology to the venture.
DSM offers specific thermoplastic materials, production and application know-
how.
The primary applications for StaMax P thermoplastic composites include
door structures, instrument carriers, splash shields, bumper beams and
integrated front-end systems.
In the Mini-Cooper, StaMax P is capable of replacing numerous metal parts
by combining the pieces into a carrier that is lighter, more cost-effective
and, combined with attached accessories, can be delivered directly to the
automaker as a fully integrated module for installation on the assembly line.
StaMax P is also replacing GMT and other engineering plastics by providing
lower system costs and lower weight
"StaMax P can be processed on existing, standard injection molding,
injection-compression molding and extrusion-compression molding equipment
without requiring major investments," said Leon Jacobs, general manager,
StaMax.
StaMax P bridges the gap between short fiber components and glass-mat
thermoplastic compounds, providing automakers with increased design freedom
thanks to consistent distribution of glass fibers in the polymer, Jacobs said.
"The 2002 BMW Mini-Cooper front-end carrier made with StaMax P
thermoplastic composite demonstrates how the material can integrate component
functions and reduce weight and overall system costs compared to steel," said
Dr. Andrew Hopkins, acting general manager, OC Automotive.
Benefits of the StaMax P front-end module to the consumer include the cost
and weight reduction versus steel and an integration of functions.
The European B-Car sealed door module on display at SAE is the second
major application for StaMax P. The StaMax P door replaces numerous metal
parts by combining the pieces into a carrier that's lighter, costs less and,
combined with attached accessories, can be delivered directly to the automaker
as a fully integrated module for installation on the assembly line. StaMax P
is also replacing GMT and other engineering plastics by providing lower system
costs and lower weight.
Until now, most automotive modules have focused on front-end and
instrument-panel applications. "Door modules, such as the one we are
demonstrating here, are the logical next step," says Jacobs.
As engineered for the new vehicle, the carrier on which all door
components such as locks, window regulators, loudspeakers, cable trays and
clips are mounted is made of StaMax P. The carrier also functions as a wet-
dry separator between the inner and outer door. Sealing foam is applied in
such a way that the carrier can be easily removed and recycled separately.
OC Automotive is located at booth #2629 at the SAE World Congress.
Additional information on OC Automotive is available at
http://www.owenscorning.com/automotive .
Owens Corning is a world leader in building materials systems and
composites systems. Founded in 1938, the company had sales of $4.8 billion in
2001 and employs approximately 19,000 people worldwide. Additional
information is available on Owens Corning's Web site at http://www.owenscorning.com
or by calling the company's toll-free General Information line:
1-800-GET PINK.
SOURCE Owens Corning
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Related links:
http://www.owenscorning.com
CONTACT:
Dave Dimmer of Owens Corning,
+1-419-248-8421; or Erin Millershin of Auto-PR, +1-248-656-2388,
for Owens Corning
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