Adoption of TCA Ultra Lite made by Teijin Automotive technologies that can realize complicated and beautiful design.
Mr. K, who was collecting information widely to find the best material for the vehicle’s outer panels, discovered a case where TCA Ultra Lite from Teijin Automotive Technologies was adopted by some automobile manufacturers, and they were contacted.Mr. K, who was collecting information widely to find the best material for the vehicle’s outer panels, discovered a case where TCA Ultra Lite from Teijin Automotive Technologies was adopted by some automobile manufacturers, and they were contacted.
At a later date, Mr. K visited the showroom "Teijin Mirai Studio" at Teijin Tokyo Headquarters with the styling designer, the paint process manager, and the material development manager. And he was able to confirm the actual quality of the exterior parts.
"Parts molded from TCA Ultra Lite from Teijin Automotive Technologies are lighter than steel and aluminum parts, and can also be molded into complex and beautiful designs. When I actually looked at the parts up close, I found that the quality was better than that of other companies' glass fiber SMC materials.”
According to the person in charge, TCA Ultra Lite from Teijin Automotive Technologies' has a lower specific gravity than a conventional SMC and it was found that the initial investment can be reduced because the number of tools required is less than those involved in stamping metal panels. In addition, it is E-coat oven capable, meaning it has high heat resistance and can be painted on the same line as steel.
“Since they have production bases in the United States, China, and Europe, it is also attractive to be able to receive support when expanding globally.” (Mr. K)
The Design and Development Department decided that TCA Ultra Lite from Teijin Automotive Technologies could meet the requirements, and both companies jointly started material evaluation.
As a result of cost estimation, it was found that it is possible to reduce capital investment and man-hours because the number of tools can be reduced. Also, material evaluation confirmed that the current product line can be used as it is without the need for new capital investment because online painting is possible.
It has excellent formability and a Class A surface finish necessary for a premium class vehicle And it can achieve weight reduction.
After repeated in-house studies, TCA Ultra Lite from Teijin Automotive Technologies was used to create outer panels that were then successfully transferred to the prototype stage. Development is underway and going well.
