Lanxess thermoplastics lightweight Geely front end carrier component

​​​​​​

Chinese car manufacturer Geely (Hangzhou) has selected specialty chemicals company Lanxess (Cologne, Germany) as supplier of choice for an innovative front end carrier (FE) structural component, which will be used in a coming passenger car model. Developed using Lanxess’ Durethan BKV50H2.0 EF, a high modulus polyamide 6 (PA6) thermoplastic material with 50% glass fiber reinforcement, the component’s design concept is a state-of-the-art hybrid design solution that is said to go beyond the traditional square/rectangular form FE structure.

While the lower cooler mounting is in sheet metal, the complex upper member was developed using this highly filled and heat stabilized Durethan BKV50H2.0 EF material, which Lanxess says is well suited for structural components that require high stiffness and strength. Overall, the full plastic design for the upper section caters to a wide range of requirements for the multi-component assembly, including the achievement of multiple savings targets.

Lanxess was chosen by Geely as material supplier based on its expertise in handling the part design as well as the suitability of its Durethan polyamide material. However, “Designing a plastic structural component and providing the right material is not enough,” notes Tsui, project manager at the Lanxess High Performance Materials (HPM) business unit. “Considering the overall market background, customer expectations, understanding the tasks on hand and preparing different potential design proposals for the FE structure was also key in developing this project.”

To support maximum component performance and efficient processing, Lanxess established the Pocan and Durethan EF and XF product lines, a broad range of easy-flow polybutylene terephthalates (PBT) and PA6 and 66 grades, which includes the Durethan BKV50H2.0 EF material used for Geely’s FE structural component. “EF” stands for “EasyFlow,” “XF” for “XtremeFlow.” According to Lanxess, these products display unusually high stiffness and strength and, despite their high filler content, can still be processed as easily and efficiently as comparable standard materials. “Smart materials offer attractive advantages for design and manufacturing provide designers with entirely new options,” says Wei Lin, Lanxess key account manager.

Apart from high-tech thermoplastics, Lanxess also offers extensive know-how and experience, as well as state-of-the-art design and simulation methods, and part evaluation and testing. For example, HiAnt, its integrated service package for lightweight solutions, aims to help Lanxess customers achieve maximum performance while minimizing weight. Lanxess also has a state-of-the-art test laboratory and the corresponding specialist employees, and can offer an extensive range of testing facilities.

Geely Holding Group is a global innovative technology group engaged in the design, R&D, production, sales and service of vehicles, powertrains and key components, as well as mobility services and digital technologies.