TAGS: Automotive Metal Replacement Part Design & Manufacturing
Asahi Kasei introduces the semi-aromatic polyamide LEONA™ SG series to the European market. In addition to high stiffness, it features an improved flowability and a superior surface appearance without any additional surface treatment or coating.
Glass Fiber-reinforced Grades for Superior Surface Quality
LEONA™ SG series is available in grades reinforced with 40%, 50% and 60% glass fiber. Even with a high glass fiber content, it features a superior surface quality and gloss at shorter cycle times. This can be achieved without additional surface treatment or additional coating.
Furthermore, the material offers an excellent inherent mechanical strength even under moisture. In a conditioned state the 50% glass fiber filled SG105 shows a clear superiority compared to standard and other semi-aromatic polyamides: While standard PA 66 shows a deterioration of 30% in tensile modulus compared to its dry state, SG105 maintains its performance. In addition, SG105 shows an 8%
better flexural strength than comparable semi-aromatic polyamides (25% better compared to standard PA 66).
For visible automotive interior parts there is no more need of compromising on neither surface appearance nor mechanical properties. Application fields inside the automotive include venting blades, armrests, covers or door handles.
Cost-optimization for Automotive Interiors
“Asahi Kasei’s plastics can offer more to the automotive industry than just lightweight applications. LEONA™ SG is the next addition to our diversified material portfolio for automotive interior applications. It offers significant cost advantages for our customers and at the same time addresses the changing needs of the car users with its premium surface quality”, explains Taku Ishida, general manager of the engineering plastics division of Asahi Kasei Europe.
Compared to similar materials, the LEONA™ SG series contributes to a cost- and energy-saving production process. In addition, the high flowability enables thin walled constructions and opens new freedom in design in addition to possibilities in material savings. The material also demonstrates these advantages in other areas, for example as a replacement for metal die casting (aluminum, ZAMAK, etc.) in construction, industrial or furniture parts.
The LEONA™ SG series is part of Asahi Kasei’s new LEONA™ polyamide resin family. This series also comprises UV resistant grades (SU series) for external applications and non-halogenated flame-retardant grades (SN series) with UL94 V0 classification for E&E applications. They all have in common the unparalleled combination of excellent surface quality, easy processability and high mechanical performance.
Source: Asahi Kasei