A custom-developed high-heat grade of ABS has been launched by Ineos Styrolution (Frankfurt / Germany; www.ineos-styrolution.com) in partnership with Ichikoh Japan (Tokyo; www.ichikoh.com). The speciality styrenic grade, "Novodur HH-112", was developed to work with Ichikoh’s new laser welding process for rear lamp housings in cars. Ineos Styrolution said this was the first time an ABS resin has been used for a black colour laser welded application.

Having created the laser welding technique to give more freedom in design as well as a good surface appearance, Ichikoh was seeking a polymer that would not only allow suitable laser welding conditions but would also adhere to the substrate and give an optimal finished appearance, Ineos said. The challenge with most black or dark coloured polymers is their high sensitivity to laser beams which causes uneven surfaces at the welding area.

Describing it as a “game changer” for laser welded parts in the future, Ichikoh said the new ABS grade and process have helped it to improve the quality of its car design. The technology was already introduced into the Japanese market in November 2015.