New Automotive Applications: Floor Console Retainers

Automotive manufacturers are choosing DYLARK, the preferred engineering resins for soft-touch instrument panels, for a new generation of interior applications. Several automotive system suppliers and OEMs in North America and Europe have specified DYLARK resins for structural consoles in numerous vehicles and are now specifying DYLARK for interior grab handles, brackets and other interior parts.

DYLARK meets the growing need for improved structural rigidity in feature-rich interior applications, such as HVAC center stacks, telecommunication equipment and overhead entertainment systems containing rear passenger stereo controls and DVD screens; more importantly, this need can be met without adding weight. Its temperature resistance withstands both extreme cold and desert heat without buckling, fading or losing foam adhesion.

The design of these and other demanding applications is accomplished using computer simulation of static and dynamic loads and other OEM requirements. NOVA Chemicals’ Computer-Aided Engineering capabilities reduce development costs and save time in areas such as tool design and iterative refinements and enhancements to the original part design.

One key advantage that DYLARK resins provide to floor consoles is high modulus. When compared to other console materials, the increased modulus of DYLARK resins reduces wall thickness and lowers vehicle weight without compromising performance. An additional advantage of DYLARK resins is reduced system costs. By utilizing DYLARK resins as the reinforcement material, outer panels are not burdened with carrying any structural requirements. This allows the outer panels to be designed in a lower-cost material, saving money and weight for the overall system.

Automotive OEMs have benefited from the performance attributes of DYLARK in console applications for almost a decade. For example, DYLARK provided superior performance in floor console reinforcement on the Cadillac Seville from 1996 to 2003. This console included a 2-piece design that integrated the HVAC duct for the rear compartment and the gearshift attachments. Presently, DYLARK is specified in other console platforms including, the Hummer H2, the Porsche Cayenne and the Volkswagen Touareg.

Typical Floor Console Construction

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