The automotive industry is constantly evolving, with manufacturers consistently seeking new technologies and materials that can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and offer exceptional performance. At the forefront of this innovation are hybrid polymer tooling boards, like our Halo™ boards, which are playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of the automotive sector.
Why Hybrid Polymer Tooling Boards?
Hybrid polymer tooling boards offer an advantageous blend of properties from different polymers, resulting in a versatile and high-performing material. They have a remarkable ability to withstand high temperatures and pressures, making them perfectly suited for the automotive industry. Moreover, the Halo™ boards have a low coefficient of thermal expansion, ensuring they retain their dimensions at high temperatures. This stability is crucial in precision-critical automotive applications.
Applications in the Automotive Industry
Prototyping: Owing to their high accuracy and dimensional stability, hybrid polymer tooling boards are perfect for creating prototypes of automotive components. The excellent machinability of our Halo™ boards allows them to be tailored to intricate shapes, making them a cost-effective method for prototyping complex designs within the automotive industry.
Moulds: The Halo™ boards have a glossy finish, ideal for creating moulds to produce automotive components. They’re suitable for carbon fibre prepreg, a sought-after feature in the automotive industry. Thus, our Halo™ boards can be used to create carbon fibre components at a significantly lower cost compared to many traditional prototyping materials.
Structural Components: Due to the high Tg (glass transition temperature) and low CTE (coefficient of thermal expansion), our Halo™ boards are capable of withstanding high temperatures, making them apt for demanding applications in vehicles.
Thermoforming: The Halo™ boards are perfect for thermoforming processes, where high-temperature resistance is required. They are particularly useful for thermoformed plastics that possess a high softening temperature, ensuring consistently high dimensional tolerances and an exceptionally high-quality surface.
Cost-Effective Solution
With Halo™ boards, we’re able to offer a cost-effective solution to the automotive industry without compromising on performance. They can be up to 30-50% more cost effective than select traditional prototyping materials, while matching or exceeding their mechanical and thermal properties.
In conclusion, hybrid polymer tooling boards, specifically our Halo™ boards, offer various advantages over traditional prototyping materials, providing the automotive industry with durable, customisable, and cost-effective solutions. They stand as a testament to the innovative advances in materials science, driving the future of the automotive industry.