BMW chooses newly developed ABS for efficient glove box production

The BMW Group is producing injection-moulded glove box compartments from a newly developed ABS blend that is both eliminating processing problems and reducing cycle times.

The ABS/PC blend, from Elix Polymers, a specialist in ABS high performance materials, is being used to produce the compartments at the BMW Group plant at Landshut and used for a range of BMW car models, including the BMW 1 series, 3 series, 5 series and 5 Gran Turismo.

The tailor-made ELIX Ultra 4105 LNS308 was specifically developed to meet the application’s challenging technical requirements. The material has to be compatible with secondary processes, including flocking, foaming and welding and was developed to address processing problems experienced previously, as well as reduce overall cycle times.

Elix Polymers says the newly developed ABS/PC blend offers better processability, which has resulted in a significantly lower scrap-rate of injected parts. Moreover, flowability has been increased resulting in reduced cycle times, so that more parts per hour can be produced.

Fabian Herter of Elix Polymers said the customised solution delivered “measurable cost savings and productivity gains.”

“This collaboration with BMW Group is an excellent example of how we work closely with OEMs and Tiers,” he continued. “Working with the industry, Elix Polymers has been able to develop a new High Heat ABS Portfolio with very low emissions and high flow. These new products meet the stringent requirements of the Automotive Industry and are suitable for interior and exterior applications.”