New Akulon PA 6 grades for automotive exterior parts from DSM enable elimination of painting steps

Royal DSM has unveiled two new UV-stabilized grades of glass fiber reinforced Akulon polyamide (PA) 6 for exterior automotive parts that require high surface quality even when unpainted.

The first, originally developed for exterior mirror bases, is 50% glass-filled, that despite its high fiber content can still yields parts with high surface quality and UV resistance, according to the material supplier, who said that various trials have shown that even in complex designs a good surface quality is achievable.

The second grade, intended for door handles, contains 30% glass fiber reinforcement and is particularly suitable for parts produced using gas-assist technology.

Paint provides a high quality surface, and also serves to protect the substrate from weathering. However, the painting stage in the production of automotive components is costly, and has a negative effect on the environment, especially when solvent-borne paints are used.

These new Akulon grades are developed based on the request of a system supplier in India who was looking for new material for the base of unpainted external mirrors it produces for a Japanese car company, which require high strength and stiffness and good surface finish without the need for painting.

By eliminating the need to paint such exterior parts, DSM hopes to contribute in unit cost savings without compromising on quality.