Slush molding is a unique processing operation that was developed originally for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) based materials. It has been utilized to produce a variety of automotive interior products, including instrument panel skins, where relatively intricate designs are required. PVC becomes brittle upon aging, while thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) doesn’t lose its ductility upon aging. TPOs have made significant inroads into interior applications in the form of thermoformed extruded sheet. However, when multiple grains, geometric (technical) grains, deep profile lettering, and logos are needed, slush molding is the preferred process. Currently, there is an increased demand for non-PVC slush moldable materials, such as TPO, that can meet these demanding aggressive styling requirements.The semi-crystalline nature of TPO compositions renders them more difficult to process than PVC in slush molding. Moreover, TPO is typically a blend of polymers and has some unique challenges in slush molding. This paper will address the issues and challenges associated with formulating TPO materials suitable for slush molding.Additionally, we will also discuss equipment and associated manufacturing requirements for these materials.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Development Of A Slush Molded TPO Instrument Panel Skin


    Additional title:

    Sae Technical Papers


    Contributors:
    Kakarala, Norm (author) / Patel, Sandip (author) / Ellis, Tom (author)

    Conference:

    SAE 2005 World Congress & Exhibition ; 2005



    Publication date :

    2005-04-11




    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English




    Development of a slush molded TPO instrument panel skin

    Patel,S. / Kakarala,N. / Ellis,T. et al. | Automotive engineering | 2005


    Development Of A Slush Molded TPO Instrument Panel Skin

    Patel, S. / Kakarala, N. / Ellis, T. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2005


    New Skin for Instrument Panel: SLUSH TPO

    Menard, B. / Valligny, D. | SAE Technical Papers | 1999


    New Skin for Instrument Panel: SLUSH TPO

    Valligny, D. / Menard, B. / Society of Automotive Engineers | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1999


    Interactions of Flexible Urethane Foam and Slush Molded PVC Powder for Instrument Panel Applications

    McDougal, Guy C. / Shrewsburg, James E. | SAE Technical Papers | 1993