Dow’s new Impaxx extruded styrenic foam promises automotive makers superior energy absorption properties at lower costs than established alternatives such as polyurethane and polypropylene materials, the US group says. The foams can also reduce weight by 50% compared with injection moulded parts and offer a 40% reduction in packaging space giving designers greater freedom.
Typically, says Dow, larger and deeper door pockets can be designed and passenger space expanded through its use in headliners and IPs. Impaxx energy absorbing foam allows last minute design changes as it requires no tooling costs and minimal lead time. The foam is commercialised on several 2006 and 2007 model year passenger vehicles in headliner head/impact applications.
Dow Automotive is offering part designers CAD-based support, component level testing capabilities and prototype parts and quality control to QS/ISO international standards
