Audi TT blow molded seat

While seatbacks are traditionally dominated by steel, the new BMSB technology features PULSE™ PC-ABS, which was developed by Dow Automotive specifically for the blow molding process. Its properties enable significant weight reduction, investment cost reduction, and, depending on the build volumes, system cost reduction; on the Audi TT, a weight reduction of 2.4 kg per vehicle has been realized. Meeting globally mandated safety requirements and OEM requirements like durability, the new BMSB enables greater design freedom along with reduced tooling lead times.

“The blow molded seatbacks also provide improved passenger comfort, as the lumbar support is integrated into the plastic molding in the Audi TT,” said Mike Shoemaker, Market Development Manager, Plastics, for Dow Automotive. “Future generations of this product may incorporate additional interior conveniences, like map pockets. This innovation can also be very important in vehicles where the seats need to be moved and consumers will directly benefit from the weight savings.”

Dow Automotive has recognized that the needs and requirements of seating solutions include weight reduction, safety, comfort, design and functionality and reduction of the number of parts needed for assembly. The new BMSB technology evolved from an understanding of the benefits of plastic materials and the development of a useful design. For the Audi TT seatback, the material and design solution was developed by the Dow Automotive team in their Engineering Centre in Germany and was optimized using CAE techniques to fulfill the ECE R17 and Audi requirements. The parts were optimized for the blow molding process and then produced by Moellertech GmbH and the total seat is supplied to Audi AG by Lear Corporation.

Now in its 36th year, the SPE Innovation Awards Gala is one of the oldest and most prestigious recognition events for the automotive and plastics industries. SPE’s Automotive Division is active in educating, promoting, recognizing, and communicating technical accomplishments for all phases of plastics and plastic-based composite developments in the global transportation industry.

Dow Automotive is a leading global provider of technology-driven solutions that meet consumer demand for vehicles that are safer, stronger, quieter, lighter, cleaner, comfortable and stylish. The organization provides plastics, adhesives, glass bonding systems, sealants, emissions control technology, films, fluids and structural enhancement and acoustical management solutions to OEM, tier and aftermarket customers around the world. For additional information about Dow Automotive products, services and application development centers, visit www.dowautomotive.com.