DuPont reveals new technologies for greater production efficiency at Fakuma 2011

Its use of material science and development of cost-effective processing technology is illustrated by two recent technological developments to be highlighted at the DuPont stand: the company's innovative In Mold Hold Press technology, a new principle aimed at increasing molding productivity by decreasing cycle times, and one of the first commercial applications to benefit in terms of reliability and cost-efficiency from licensed 2K molding technology.

DuPont will also use its presence at Fakuma 2011 to demonstrate the new opportunities for sustainable innovation presented by its extensive range of renewably-sourced high performance resins, whilst new developments for the wire and cable food and health care industries, amongst others, round off the show exhibit.

Innovative DuPont In-Mold Hold Pressure technology: Improving productivity by decreasing cycle time

New, In-Mold Hold Pressure (IMHP) technology from DuPont targets efficiency improvements during the molding process by decreasing the overall cycle time. The concept behind this objective is to apply hold pressure in the mould during the dosing process. According to DuPont research at its European Technical Center in Meyrin, Switzerland, the new technology can lead to a reduction in cycle time by up to 30 percent versus a standard molding cycle while maintaining optimum mechanical and dimensional properties. IMHP technology can only be adopted for semi-crystalline polymers, that require constant holding pressure profiles, and is most effective in the production of thick-walled, high volume parts that use more than 50 percent of screw volume.

2K molding technology: Direct overmolding of rubber gaskets onto thermoplastic parts

As announced earlier this year, DuPont is the sole licensee worldwide under the multi-shot or 2K molding technology for nylon 6/6 and nylon 6. The licensed technology enables the elimination of process steps in the production of two-component assemblies combining DuPont™ Vamac® ethylene acrylic elastomer (AEM) or DuPont™ Viton® fluoroelastomers (FKM) or any elastomers with DuPont™ Zytel® nylon resins. One of the first automotive applications to benefit from this new technology is an integrated electronic connector gasket from Dana Corporation. In what is described by the cooperation partners as “a world first”, the robust sealing surfaces of the seal made of Vamac® AEM is robustly bonded to the gasket body of Zytel®, without the use of primers, to provide long term heat and oil resistance, and elimination of leak paths.

New sustainable solutions

Drawing from the industry's broadest range of renewably-sourced, high performance polymers, new applications continue to commercialise that help reduce dependence on petroleum and the net production of greenhouse gases. All polymers within its renewably-sourced portfolio are at least 20% renewably sourced and have equal or better performance than the entirely petrochemically-based materials they replace. They include DuPont™ Sorona® EP thermoplastic polymers, DuPont™ Hytrel® RS thermoplastic elastomers and the family of DuPont™ Zytel® RS long chain nylons. Work is ongoing at DuPont material laboratories to extend its renewably-sourced technology to other thermoplastics from its high performance family of engineering polymers.

Other initiatives pursued by DuPont for greater sustainability include lightweighting – the replacement of metal parts with high performance plastics that can stand up to severe environments like under the hood of a car while taking significant weight out of the car. This lighter weight translates very directly to improved fuel economy, lower greenhouse gases and lower cost for consumers. Moreover, the optimization of weight, thickness and material cost during the design stage can also lead to less plastic usage in the first place.

Meeting industry requirements

In line with its commitment to meet industry needs, DuPont will exhibit a range of applications at Fakuma 2011 that use polymers that have been tailored to the specific requirements of the wire and cable, food and health care industries. In wire and cable, for instance, DuPont offers a high performing halogen-free flame retardant DuPont™ ETPV thermoplastic vulcanizate resin and, in the form of DuPont™ Vamac® AEM, a material recoginized for its superiority in Halogen Free Flame Retardant (HFFR) and low smoke generating cable jacketing & insulations. For both the food and health care segments, DuPont provides an extensive range of materials that meet regulatory requirements and standards for their use in food contact applications and health care equipment respectively.

DuPont Performance Polymers is committed to working with customers throughout the world to develop new products, components and systems that help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and protect people and the environment. With more than 40 manufacturing, development and research centers throughout the world, DuPont Performance Polymers uses the industry’s broadest portfolio of plastics, elastomers, renewably sourced polymers, filaments and high-performance parts and shapes to deliver cost-effective solutions to customers in aerospace, automotive, consumer, electrical, electronic, industrial, sporting goods and other diversified industries.

DuPont – one of the first companies to publicly establish environmental goals more than 20 years ago – has broadened its sustainability commitments beyond internal footprint reduction to include market-driven targets for both revenue and research and development investment. The goals are tied directly to business growth, specifically to the development of safer and environmentally improved new products for key global markets.

DuPont (www.dupont.com) is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 90 countries and regions, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation. XXX The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont™, The miracles of science™ and all product names denoted with ® are trademarks or registered trademarks of E.I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company or its affiliates.

Contact:
Press contact (UK, Benelux, Scandinavia)
Andrew Wilkins
Tel.: +44 (0)1353 663350
Fax: +44 (0)1353 663350
Email: dupont.press@btconnect.com

DuPont press contact
Rémi Daneyrole
Tel.: +41 (0)22 717 54 19
Fax: +41 (0)22 580 22 45