SO.F.TER. introduces new PA6 grade to lightweight compounds portfolio

Following the successful launch of its ‘Litepol’ polypropylene-based (PP) compound line at Fakuma 2015, SO.F.TER. has introduced new grades based on polyamide 6 (PA6).

The Litepol engineering polymers feature hollow glass microspheres that enable lightweighting of plastic parts by up to 30 percent. In the automotive industry, the target market for the Litepol range, potential CO2 emissions savings are as much as 1000 tonnes per car.

The company hopes the latest addition to its portfolio will be as well received as the PP grades, which have been approved for use by FCA Fiat Chrysler Automobiles following their launch.

In the various configurations currently available, Litepol products enable weight reduction, good strength and shock resistance, shorter cycle times and exceptional dimensional stability of the moulded parts. SO.F.TER. says the compounds need no technology investment by users and can be used on standard injection moulding equipment.

The ability to use the glass microspheres either alone or in combination with chemically-bonded glass fibre allows for variation of the material properties, enabling users to achieve exactly their required goals in terms of lightness, mechanical performance and price. Therefore, SO.F.TER says the focus of Litepol is on maximum versatility and adaptability, qualities that make this product range extremely appealing for the automotive industry, especially in consideration of the new limits on CO2 emissions set at 95 g/km starting from 2021.