VALEO AND DSM ENGINEERING PLASTICS COLLABORATE ON INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES TO REDUCE VEHICLES’ ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

DSM Engineering Plastics today announced the expansion of its longstanding partnership with French firm Valeo to develop enhanced technologies for reducing the environmental impact from vehicles. Valeo Engine Management Systems, a division of Valeo, is leveraging the superior performance and aesthetics of Arnite polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and polybutylene terephthalate/polyethylene (PBT/PET) resins from DSM Engineering Plastics in several innovative engine systems: electronic throttle control (ETC) exhaust gas recirculation (EGR); and ignition systems. By replacing traditional materials with Arnite resins, Valeo is able to advance its market-leading engine management solutions and offer automakers new ways to enhance driving satisfaction while minimizing environmental implications.

According to Charles-Frederic Boisson, global material purchaser for Valeo Engine Management Systems, “Our technologies are increasingly in demand as automakers look for new ways to support environmental initiatives. Our strong relationship with DSM Engineering Plastics and its broad portfolio of high-performance resins were instrumental in helping Valeo develop and improve critical solutions such as the exhaust gas recirculation device, which helps reduce pollutants from diesel engines and conserve fuel for gasoline engines. Arnite resins met our stringent performance requirements with ease.”

Arnite TV4 461 PBT/PET resin, a 30 percent glass-filled grade, was chosen by Valeo for the ETC and EGR covers, replacing traditional glass-filled PBT resin. The DSM Engineering Plastics material delivers lower warpage and shrinkage, as well as better appearance than traditional PBT resin. At the same time, Arnite TV4 461 provides equivalent flow properties to PBT, enabling molders to avoid retooling. This Arnite grade is also well-known for its dimensional stability and its engine compartment temperature resistance. It can also be welded onto polyester.

In the ignition ramp, Arnite TV6 241T – a 20 percent glass-filled and toughened grade – provides enhanced dielectric properties and resistance to thermal shock vs. the previous PBT resin. This grade is also suitable for insert moldings.

Franck Lagoutte, General Product Manager Arnite at DSM Engineering Plastics said, “Arnite Specialty Resins allows Valeo Engine Management Systems to enhance performance of critical engine components, such as ETC and EGR covers, while contributing to lower emissions and lower fuel consumption. This common success is the consequence of the fruitful collaboration and relationships built between DSM and Valeo Engine Management Systems Teams over many years. Together, we are combining our expertise, know-how and passion for innovation with one common goal: develop technologies that meet the future needs of automotive OEMs (such as, for instance, T° performance, weight savings and metal replacement, environmental sustainability …)”.

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