PBT resins cut costs for headlamp makers

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jun 23, 2006

Automotive headlamps can now be manufactured more cost effectively through a new "design-materials-processing" solution developed by DuPont Automotive.

Automotive headlamps - a significant opportunity to add personality to vehicle styling - can now be manufactured more cost effectively through a new "design-materials-processing" solution developed by DuPont Automotive.

A combination of new DuPont Crastin PBT grades, innovative manufacturing techniques plus design and development support enables direct metallisation of automotive headlamp bezels, the trim ring that not only supports the headlamp, but provides distinction in design.

This "art-to-part" offering generates up to 40% savings over traditional manufacturing methods.

Commercial globally on millions of 2007 model year vehicles - including the Ford Focus, Chevrolet HHR, Lincoln Navigator, several BMW models, Nissan Titan and Skoda Octavia - the technology "is proven and poised to move from 'regional concept' to 'global trend'", said Steve Fecanin, DuPont Automotive Global Lighting Development Manager.

"Next year customers will double the commercial adoptions".

"Design is pushing the technology envelope in lighting", said Fecanin.

"Great looks are being achieved through innovative designs, but many lighting suppliers struggle to find materials to achieve designs for front-end contour, which often puts the headlamp very close to the bezel and drives temperatures above 150C".

Headlamp bezels have traditionally relied on high-heat resistant polycarbonate or standard PBT, which requires painting.

The DuPont solution taps the inherent heat resistance and thermal stability of Crastin PBT and adds technical support to optimise design, tooling and machinery to enable direct metallisation and ensure high yields for significant cost savings.

The Crastin technology provides exceptional surface appearance straight from the mould and is tailored to meet demands of today's newest requirements.

The material is optimised for flow, surface gloss and stability in the high temperature environment.

Compared with high-heat polycarbonate, for example, savings are up to 40% on resin alone.

Compared with painted parts, savings average 30% per part, not including savings captured by eliminating secondary paint operations.

"For the past six years, our global team has been working in the lighting value chain to develop new Crastin grades and to make recommendations on design, tooling and machinery so that these parts can be produced with very low yield loss", said Chris Murphy automotive director - Americas, for DuPont Automotive Performance Materials.

"Their commitment and drive throughout the global value chain epitomises the value we can deliver - both in terms of innovation and cost savings - when we are engaged early in a programme".

A steady evolution of Crastin PBT product innovations now offers choices to customers who need a high gloss surface, part stability and higher performance.

A new generation will be available later this year.

"These are some of the most highly engineered PBT resins available", said Fecanin.

Future applications include new rear taillights and offerings for steerable, HID headlamps.

"The future is bright for Crastin in automotive lighting as direct metallisation offers designers flexibility and freedom while reducing both overall costs and manufacturing costs", said Fecanin.