Polypropylene (PP) stands as the most commonly used plastic in automotive applications due to its versatility, serving in interior, exterior, and semi-structural components. TAFNEX™ is shaping the future of this industry by enhancing these components in various ways:
With TAFNEX™ Design Sheets, you can introduce a distinctive, premium carbon aesthetic to a vehicle's interior or exterior.
TAFNEX™ UD Tape elevates the performance of exterior and semi-structural parts through localized reinforcement.
For semi-structural applications, TAFNEX™ Structural Sheets are perfect for substantial weight reduction, thereby boosting vehicle efficiency.
TAFNEX™ Compound enables the production of lightweight components in almost all vehicle areas via Injection Molding or Fused Granular Fabrication.
By applying several strips of slit tape as local reinforcements to the front trunk (frunk) of an electric vehicle (EV), the need for ribs is eliminated. Consequently, less material is required during injection, leading to a component that is about 10 % lighter than the series component without local reinforcement. Additionally, the local tape reinforcement allows for the use of recycled compounds, as material fluctuations have significantly less impact on withstanding the critical load case. This technology demonstrator was crafted within the framework of the T3-Hub research project at Aachen Center for Integrative Lightweight Production (AZL) at RWTH Aachen University in cooperation with BBP Kunststoffwerk and Porsche Engineering.
Material TAFNEX™ UD Tape
Process Injection Molding
TAFNEX™ is defining a new age of sporty, luxurious interiors. Using TAFNEX™ Design Sheets for trim parts creates a premium appearance in vehicle interiors. This appearance is not only customizable with numerous options but also distinguishes itself from the traditional carbon fabric look that has grown stale. TAFNEX™ interior components don't require laborious gluing, as assembly elements can be integrated during the production phase.
Material TAFNEX™ Design Sheet
Process Thermoforming | Injection Molding
The vehicle underbody is particularly crucial in electric vehicles, where it also serves to safeguard the battery. Employing TAFNEX™ in underbody protection not only improves impact protection but also enhances the vehicle's overall rigidity. Moreover, TAFNEX™ Sandwich Panels with a foam core can enhance battery efficiency by acting as a thermal insulator.
Material TAFNEX™ Structural Sheet | Sandwich Panel
Process Injection Molding | Compression Molding
Incorporating a decorative lighting element in addition to the tail/brake light and indicator, this modern automotive lighting concept from ARRK Visibility Solutions utilizes a TAFNEX™ Design Sheet with semi-transparent chips (Luminous Carbon) to achieve backlighting of the forged carbon element.
Material TAFNEX™ Design Sheet
Process Injection Molding
Utilizing Injection Molding and a TAFNEX™ Structural Sheet allows the replacement of a metal bumper beam. This thermoplastic composite solution combines several functions into one part, thereby reducing both process costs and cycle time. This project involved extensive simulation work carried out by ARRK Engineering.
Material TAFNEX™ Structural Sheet
Process Injection Molding
Several exterior components of the TOYOTA Hyper-F CONCEPT car have been produced by leveraging TAFNEX™ Compound in additive manufacturing as well as forming TAFNEX™ Design Sheets. This approach allows for the cost-efficient production of functional, lightweight and stylish components, even in small quantities.
Material TAFNEX™ Compound | TAFNEX™ Design Sheet
Process Fused Granular Fabrication | Thermoforming