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 …)”.
