Engineering Materials

Outdoor power equipment

Our broad portfolio of materials enables smart, integrated designs for outdoor power equipment. Engineered to be tough and durable, even while designing lighter, thin-walled parts that require fewer processing steps, our materials are helping industry partners achieve their goals.

Paving the way for smarter power equipment

The outdoor power equipment industry is evolving quickly. As regulatory bodies place stronger limits on evaporative emissions, and consumers seek out smarter and more aesthetically pleasing products, manufacturers are working to meet these new challenges.

For ground-supported outdoor power equipment, the biggest challenge by far is to cut emissions. Lawnmowers, golf cars, groomers, and utility and all-terrain vehicles need fuel tanks that are cleaner, engines that are more efficient, and bodywork that is more durable.

Our broad portfolio of materials enables smart, integrated designs for outdoor power equipment. Engineered to be tough and durable, even while designing lighter, thin-walled parts that require fewer processing steps, our materials are helping industry partners achieve their goals.

Featured customer applications

Outdoor power product fuel tanks

Consumer goods | Lawn & garden

Increased design freedom (minimum wall thickness possible up to 1.2mm) ;Evaporative emissions barrier more than six times higher than regulations require ;Guaranteed to last for the lifetime of the product

Chainsaw housings

Consumer goods | Lawn & garden

Glass-reinforced ;Cost-effective solution ;Easy to process for injection molding and blow molding

Off-road Vehicle Oil Pans and Reservoirs

Consumer goods | Outdoor Power Equipment

Ease of processing; Short injection molding cycle times; Good flowability; Superior heat resistance; Design stiffness

Snowmobile Front- and Rear Bumpers

Consumer goods | Outdoor Power Equipment

Akulon® PA6 is a reliable solution for snowmobile front and rear bumpers because it offers a 6.5% weight savings, leading to 23% cost savings and a 30% assembly-time-reduction compared to previous polyethylene-covered steel tube bumpers. This maintains the desired stiffness and improved impact strength. Also, it has outstanding mechanical properties over a wide temperature range and in diverse conditions. Stanyl® PA46 is used for the engine parts of off-road vehicles as well.

Snowmobile Rear Seat Handle

Consumer goods | Outdoor Power Equipment

Akulon® PA6 is a reliable solution for snowmobile rear seat handles because it offers a 6.5% weight savings, leading to 23% cost savings and a 30% assembly-time-reduction compared to previous polyethylene-covered steel tube bumpers. This maintains the desired stiffness and improved impact strength. Also, it has outstanding mechanical properties over a wide temperature range and in diverse conditions. Stanyl® PA46 is used for the engine parts of off-road vehicles as well.
  • PA6 & PA66 - Akulon®

    PA6 & PA66 - Akulon®

    Akulon polyamide 6 & 66 resins represent the best value in all-purpose engineering materials, offering an excellent balance of design and processing with outstanding mechanical properties in diverse operating environments.

  • PA4T PPA - ForTii®

    PA4T PPA - ForTii®

    ForTii has a unique PPA's technology with high amide density. The ForTii platform includes polymers that are the highest crystalline, highest melting point and highest glass transition temperature amongst all PPA.

Featured products

With our broad, high-quality materials portfolio and in-depth technology know-how, we work in close collaboration with customers to develop new applications in response to the search for lighter, stronger and more durable materials.

Here's a selection of some of our most recognized brands and products, keeping you ahead of the curve and enabling you to lead the market through the use of cutting-edge technology.

Smarter and cleaner products for small off road engine vehicles

The Outdoor Power Equipment market is ripe for change as new regulations sweep across the landscape and consumers and manufacturers demand smarter and cleaner products.

At DSM our performance materials -- and the knowlegde, people and resources behind them - are helping manufacturers to change the way they think about application design. From fuel tanks to engine components we're putting plastics to the test, and we invite you to take a look at our thoughts and ideas.

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How can we help you?

We take a scientific approach to building solutions. Our dedicated teams work closely with our customers to look at the entire process of developing new parts and components – whether it is a case of metal replacement, or developing solutions that are stronger, safer and more effective. Our methodical approach extends to every step of the process, from design and material performance to production and compliance.

Further reading

DSM introduces newest high-temperature PPA, ForTii Ace, to the Outdoor Power Equipment market

DSM offers solutions to challenges of tightened small-engine emissions regulations

DSM introduces high-temperature PPA, ForTii Ace, to the OPE market

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