Properties and benefits
Weight Savings
With TPO laminates it is possible to save up to 48% in weight in car interior coverstocks. Weight savings of up to 2 kg can be realized when replacing traditional UEV with a TPO laminate.
| Material | Area weight (kg/m2) |
|---|---|
| UEV (Unsupported Expanded Vinyl) | 0.6 (hard) to 1.2 (soft) |
| TPO laminate | 0.55 (hard) to 0.62 (soft) kg/m2 |
| Weight saving 8 - 48 % |
Soft Touch
The foam provides a soft and pleasant touch thus making the car interior more comfortable.
Recycling
When TPO laminates are used in conjunction with PP substrates it is possible to recycle components into new injection moulded parts such as substrates, glove compartment lid, under the hood applications and wheel-arch covers. In some cases this is now realized on an industrial scale, making efficient use of pre-consumer production waste.
Excellent Thermoforming and Processing Properties
Please see: Manufacturing Technologies
Material Comparison Table
| Foil & Substrate vs. Parameter | PUR-Slush + PUR-SRIM | ABS/PVC + Injection Moulded ABS | TPO Laminate + Injection Moulded PP | ASA + PP/Wood Fibre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design freedom | ++ | ++ | ++ | O |
| Aspect/appearance | ++ | ++ | ++ | ++ |
| Soft touch | ++ | ++ | ++ | ++ |
| Light weight | + | + | ++ | + |
| Possibility to combine with leather | ++ | ++ | ++ | ++ |
| Fogging | + | - | ++ | - |
| Smell | O | - | + | - |
| Ageing | + | + | ++ | + |
| Process safety | + | + | + | O |
| Recycling | + | O | + | - |
Literature & information source
Legend:
- Low
O Medium
+ Good
++ Excellent
