Ford has selected Arnitel TPC from DSM Engineering Plastics for the production
of vacuum brake tubes for its recently launched new Ford Fiesta. In doing so,
Ford has acknowledged the advantages of Arnitel for this specific application.
Ford already uses Arnitel in similar applications in a number of its models:
Ford Mondeo, Ford S-Max, Ford C-Max, Ford Galaxy and Ford Focus.
Design criteria for hoses and tubes in automotive engineering as well as in
industrial environments are characterized by growing demands on performance,
processability and design freedom of the materials used. In this respect,
Arnitel thermoplastic copolyesters are emerging as a cost-efficient and
sustainable alternative that far exceeds established materials in critical
properties.
Meeting key requirements
Automotive vacuum brake tubes must not
only resist elevated temperatures and fluids common in this environment,
including battery acid. They should also show a maximum resistance to
punctures and, above all, cracks and tears. Arnitel delivers the ductility to
meet these requirements over a wide range of continuous use temperatures from
40°C to +110°C as well as at short-term peak temperatures of up to 180°C.
Arnitel’s outstanding heat resistance can often eliminate the need for
additional heat shields or over-length tubes, thus reducing system costs and
vehicle weight. In addition, Arnitel meets the strict requirements of the
FMVSS 106 standard with regard to the ozone resistance of materials used for
brake tubing.
In a benchmarking exercise, comparing the Arnitel solution with a metal/rubber
system, results clearly demonstrate that Arnitel’s high temperature resistance
enables a more compact design of the vacuum brake tube, leading to a
significant system cost reduction.
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive
industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes
automobiles across six continents. With about 213,000 employees and about 90
plants worldwide, the company’s wholly owned automotive brands include Ford,
Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through
Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products,
please visit www.ford.com.
