Are you an automotive manufacturer or molder considering metal-to-plastic conversion to reduce part weight? To start the transition from metal to plastic to streamline part weight, it’s important to define your objectives by asking the following questions:  Engineered polymers and specialty composites are gaining popularity because they can achieve metal-like performance while providing design flexibility through injection molding.

Light-weighting solutions that replace heavier traditional materials like metal, glass and wood, which can improve fuel efficiency in all modes of transportation Special items include charges related to specific strategic initiatives or financial restructuring such as: consolidation of operations; debt extinguishment costs; costs incurred directly in relation to acquisitions or divestitures, including adjustments related to contingent consideration; employee separation costs resulting from personnel reduction programs, plant realignment costs, executive separation agreements; asset impairments; settlement gains or losses and mark-to-market adjustments associated with actuarial gains and losses on pension and other post-retirement benefit plans; environmental remediation costs, fines, penalties and related insurance recoveries related to facilities no longer owned or closed in prior years; gains and losses on the divestiture of operating businesses, joint ventures and equity investments; gains and losses on facility or property sales or disposals; results of litigation, fines or penalties, where such litigation (or action relating to the fines or penalties) arose prior to the commencement of the performance period; one-time, non- recurring items; and the effect of changes in accounting principles or other such laws or provisions affecting reported results.

Heavy Truck Foot Pedal A heavy truck manufacturer used a pre-colored OnForce™ LFT to replace metal for exterior step pedal

The graphs below illustrate the advantages that can be gained by incorporating CFRTP materials with traditional thermoplastics. The existing solution — reinforcing the latch area with a steel plate — added vehicle weight and involved additional manufacturing processes, increasing time and cost.  By replacing the metal plate and integrating the Polystrand material into the molded part, the supplier saved 8 pounds of overall vehicle weight. 

You are still able to gain the strength of carbon fiber, but are also able to supplement a portion of the formulation with more economically priced glass fiber.  Hybrid materials range from 20-50% total long glass + long carbon fiber content (by weight) reinforcing a variety of resin systems including polyamides, rigid thermoplastic polyurethanes and polypropylene.

Since its launch in April 2018, The Pact has gained over 100 member organizations committed to making meaningful progress toward four ambitious targets for 2025:       Light-weighting solutions that replace heavier traditional materials like metal, glass and wood, which can improve fuel efficiency in all modes of transportation

Examples: Heavy-duty closures for chemical containers and industrial lubricants. Our range of world-class services includes: Color Technology: Custom color design, saturated colors, and special effects to fill market niches and eliminate secondary operations Color & Design Services: Trend and color insights, and product development assistance to optimize design and gain speed to market, include collaborative workshops at our ColorWorks™ Design & Technology centers Regulatory Coordination: Aid with new product approvals to reduce regulatory overhead and minimize risk Field Technical Service: Support for tool design, startup and production optimization to gain manufacturing efficiencies Sustainability: Innovative materials and solutions to help you meet your sustainability goals

% Pigment Specific Gravity Color Index Lightfastness WHITE 10EPX03 Titanium Dioxide, Rutile 57 1.95 PW-6 I/O YELLOW 12EPX01 Diarylide AAOT GS 25 1.22 PY-14 I 12EPX03 Diarylide HR RS 20 1.2 PY-83 I/O (Mass) 13EPX02 Isoindolinone RS 30 1.3 PY-110 I/O 13EPX03 Benzimidazolone GS 40 1.27 PY-151 I/O (Mass) 81EPX01 Iron Oxide 40 1.62 PY-42 I/O ORANGE 15EPX03 Benzimidazolone 30 1.26 PO-36 I/O RED 23EPX04 Quinacridone BS 25 1.21 PV-19 I/O 23EPX06 Specialty Naphthol BS 30 1.21 PR-170 I/O (Mass) C 25EPX01 Red 2B, Ca Salt Bs 24 1.27 PR-48:2 I/O (Mass) 28EPX01 Red 2B, Ba Salt YS 23 1.29 PR-48:1 I/O (Mass) 82EPX01 Iron Oxide, Light BS 40 1.67 PR-101 I/O 82EPX02 Iron Oxide, Dark BVS 40 1.68 PR-101 I/O 82EPX04 Iron Oxide, Light VYS 40 1.67 PR-101 I/O BLUE 40EXP03 Phthalocyanine GS 25 1.25 PB-15:3 I/O 40EXP05 Phthalocyanine RS 25 1.25 PB-15:3 I/O 42EXP02 Ultramarine 50 1.54 PB-29 I/O 49EXP01 Cobalt 50 1.83 PB-28 I/O GREEN 50EPX02 Phthalocyanine BS 18 1.34 PG-7 I/O 50EPX03 Phthalocyanine YS 25 1.42 PG-7 I/O 59EPX01 Chromium Oxide 40 1.64 PG-17 I/O VIOLET/MAGENTA 24EPX03 Quinacridone Violet 15 1.2 PV-19 I/O 24EPX04 Ultramarine Violet 50 1.66 PV-15 I/O 24EPX05 Quinacridone Magenta 20 1.21 PR-122 I/O 24EPX06 Benzimidazolone 20 1.2 PV-32 I/O 24EPX07 Carbazole Violet 15 1.2 PV-23 I/O BROWN/TAN 83EPX01 Iron Oxide, Light 39 1.64 PBr-6 I/O 83EPX02 Iron Oxide, Dark 40 1.66 PBr-6 I/O BLACK 90EPX01 Furnace - High Jet 14 1.23 PBk-7 I/O 90EPX04 Furnace - Medium 20 1.25 PBk-7 I/O 90EPX05 Iron Oxide 50 1.77 PBk-11 I/O EPX RS = Red Shade YS = Yellow Shade VYS = Very Yellow Shade BS = Blue Shade VBS = Very Blue Shade GS = Green Shade HR = Heat-Resistant LIGHTFASTNESS I = Indoor Only I/O = Indoor or Outdoor Mass = Outdoor Masstone Application Only C = Some Caution Advised www.avient.com Copyright © 2020, Avient Corporation.

Both the size and weight of products and packaging can play a critical role in lessening environmental impact and can often be positively influenced by design.  The right materials can help increase longevity, reduce weight, and expand design freedom. From local support to responsible sourcing, your supply chain also has the potential to help you innovate and gain a competitive edge. 

Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) History Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) was first polymerized in the 1950’s. Excellent strength to weight ratio