Grupo Antolin reduces the weight of the panoramic sunroof frame by 60%

Vehicle lightweighting has become a recognized trend in the automotive industry as a means to minimize carbon dioxide emissions and meet emissions targets
.

At present, the panoramic sunroof, which is a must for new cars, has been successfully redesigned according to this trend
.

In close cooperation with BASF, Grupo Antolin, a specialist in the development, design and manufacture of interior parts for the automotive industry in Spain, has validated the use of BASF's Ultradur material in plastic frames for solar and panoramic sunroofs
.

The company reports that the use of these materials, along with a redesign of the components, has resulted in a 60 percent reduction in component weight
.
Changes were made in the process of attaching the frame, eliminating certain steps, improving assembly tolerances, and ultimately improving the quality of the finished part
.
In addition, there is no need to use solvents in the production process
.

Ultradur material is a glass fiber reinforced PBT modified with acrylonitrile and styrene copolymers, resulting in a rigid material with good dimensional stability, heat resistance and low molding shrinkage values, ensuring that tolerances are met
.

"Because of its excellent injection properties and the best surface quality, PBT-ASA-PET is ideal for the production of large and thin interior parts," said Enrique Fernández, Senior Engineering Director of Grupo Antolin's Business Unit.
"In addition, considering the With its unparalleled processing advantages, we have been able to reduce weight without sacrificing stiffness or dimensional stability at high temperatures
.
"

The company has calculated that this lighter component could save as much as 25,200 tonnes of CO2 over the life of a model - using an annual production of 250,000 units, a seven-year life cycle and an average lifespan of 25,200 tonnes 160,000 km models
.