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Plastics help car sensing
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06/02/2008
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High spec plastics are proving crucial in the development of sensors for the automotive industry.
One is the SmartWave tyre pressure monitoring system from SmarTire Systems, which uses DuPont’s Zytel HTN PPA as a lightweight and durable casing.
“Protecting the electronic sensors inside the housing is paramount and the best way to create a non-permeable seal is through laser welding,” said Dan Jones, assembly manager for DuPont Automotive.
The grade offers the impact and heat resistance required to meet heavy tyre spin loads, with pressure levels reaching 200 PSI and temperatures getting up to 200 °C.
At the same time, a Bosch steering-angle sensor is now being made of Ultradur High Speed, BASF’s easy-flowing PBT. The plastic has a nano-scale additive, allowing injection molders to shorten the cycle times and make their components with an even more filigree design.
The sensor plays a key role in the safety of vehicles and provides the electronic stability program (ESP) with information about the position of the steering wheel.
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Author
Lou Reade
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