MERCEDES-BENZ
A series: Plastics coming up in the fast lane / 13% of weight / New paint concept
In the new A series from Mercedes-Benz AG (HQ: D-70322 Stuttgart), which is due to go into full production at the Rastatt factory this summer, plastic "plays a major role, thanks to its useful properties" (Mercedes). Polymers constitute 13% of the total weight and so make a crucial contribution to the lightweight construction concept of this small automobile. A particularly remarkable feature are the front mudguards, which are injection moulded out of a PPO/PA blend by Plastic Omnium. According to information from Mercedes, these mudguards, which are being series-produced for the first time, return to their original shape after a minor accident – without any repairs or a paint job being necessary.
The boot lid also remains "entirely undamaged" after minor collisions, thanks to the use of plastics: the exterior is also made out of a PPO/PA blend, the interior of glass mat reinforced PP. The system supplier for the boot lids is Peguform. Other plastic components include the bumpers made out of PP-EPDM with PP foam (supplied by Ymos), underside panelling and spare wheel wells of GMT-PP (Rieter and Seeber), battery wells of GMT-PP (Polynorm Roosendaal), and headlamp diffusers of PC (Bosch).
The A series also has a "totally unique paint concept": At the heart of the process – a cooperation with BASF (paint supplier) and Dürr Systems (equipment supplier) – is the integrated paint concept using the powder slurry process to produce the solvent-free clear paint, and a new anti-corrosion concept which does not need any cavity sealing. In order to blend the appearance of the steel body and plastic components, the plastic components are added before the final coat of paint is applied. – Detailed information with illustrations (German): PIE-No. 40946.
Pöppelmann GmbH & Co (PO Box 1160, D-49378 Lohne) manufactures several components for the A series, including a new cable trough to the battery well. This multipurpose connecting part is made out of two different materials, talc-filled PP 40 with a thermoplastic elastomer (EPDM+PP), and is produced by two-component injection moulding. – Further details with illustration (German): PIE-No. 40947.
The boot lid also remains "entirely undamaged" after minor collisions, thanks to the use of plastics: the exterior is also made out of a PPO/PA blend, the interior of glass mat reinforced PP. The system supplier for the boot lids is Peguform. Other plastic components include the bumpers made out of PP-EPDM with PP foam (supplied by Ymos), underside panelling and spare wheel wells of GMT-PP (Rieter and Seeber), battery wells of GMT-PP (Polynorm Roosendaal), and headlamp diffusers of PC (Bosch).
The A series also has a "totally unique paint concept": At the heart of the process – a cooperation with BASF (paint supplier) and Dürr Systems (equipment supplier) – is the integrated paint concept using the powder slurry process to produce the solvent-free clear paint, and a new anti-corrosion concept which does not need any cavity sealing. In order to blend the appearance of the steel body and plastic components, the plastic components are added before the final coat of paint is applied. – Detailed information with illustrations (German): PIE-No. 40946.
Pöppelmann GmbH & Co (PO Box 1160, D-49378 Lohne) manufactures several components for the A series, including a new cable trough to the battery well. This multipurpose connecting part is made out of two different materials, talc-filled PP 40 with a thermoplastic elastomer (EPDM+PP), and is produced by two-component injection moulding. – Further details with illustration (German): PIE-No. 40947.
15.06.1997 Plasteurope.com [19333]
Published on 15.06.1997