DSM in Automotive

Our innovative high-performance plastics are developed to meet a wide variety of technological challenges in automotive. Browse these pages to learn more about how our industry experts, scientists and engineers work hand in hand with our customers to develop next generation solutions.

Plastics: A bright future in automotive lighting

Lighting for vehicles places great demands on the materials used, yet it also has the potential for big rewards. Some of the application’s greatest challenges include outgassing, miniaturization, and creating new designs that are brighter and safer. At DSM, our track record in lighting dates back more than 30 years. Today, we are squarely focused on helping our customers produce innovative lighting systems that are smaller, greener and brighter, while also being cost-efficient.

Our portfolio of materials includes grades suited to a wide variety of lighting applications, including front light frames, bezels, lens holders, cable coatings, lamp holders and sockets, and thermally conductive plastic solutions for LED systems.

Our team of material scientists have been working to tackle the challenge of outgassing since 2002 – and have found a solution with our Arnite T XL material. From there, we have extended our knowledge and experience to other components, including our low-outgassing Arnite A XL materials for AFL/DBL frames. This material is now being used in smart headlight systems for vehicles with a more premium price point.

We see great potential for thermoplastics to play an increased role in daytime running light systems – to help conserve energy and reduce the carbon footprint. We’re also working with customers in the development of new pedestrian safety concepts, as well as further expanding and optimizing the use of LED, xenon and halogen lighting systems.

Browse our solutions

TPC - Arnitel®

Arnitel is a high-performance ThermoPlastic Copolyester (TPC) that offers you a unique combination of flexibility, high temperature resistance and strength - plus excellent processing characteristics.
PET & PBT - Arnite®

Our Arnite portfolio includes high performance engineering polyester plastics (PBT, PET, and blends) that combine high strength and rigidity with excellent processing characteristics.

DSM's Akulon® polyamide 6 grades eliminate the need for painting in automotive exterior parts

For automotive exterior applications, look and feel are both very important. DSM has proven its performance in this market with the right materials for years for e.g. mirror housing and door handles. Today we also offer a reinforced Akulon polyamide 6 for unpainted exterior automotive parts that require very good surface quality. By eliminating the need to paint such exterior parts, DSM is making a major contribution to unit cost savings without compromising on quality.