Dow Automotive offers a steady flow of innovative and customized solutions for the global automotive and transportation industries. Customers benefit from the vast material portfolio of The Dow Chemical Company but also from Dow’s Materials Engineering Centre (MEC).

Engineers and researchers from this organisation help customers translate material capabilities to applications and facilitate the reverse engineering needed to develop materials that fit application needs. Through the global presence of MEC, with strong teams in Asia, Europe, North America and South America, Dow Automotive is well positioned globally to fulfil its solutions-based business model.

The MEC team combines Dow Automotive’s expertise in materials, industry knowledge and customer requirements, which typically include:

• Cost effectiveness
• Weight reduction
• Increased functionality
• Improved assembly methods
• Long-term sustainability

This expertise is built upon an in-depth knowledge of customers’ products and specifications, as well as the materials, processes and methods to develop and manufacture them. To support developments, the MEC team has mastered a wide variety of engineering tools, such as CAE capabilities for processing, structural, thermal, fluids and crash simulation and extensive, versatile rapid prototype resources.

Recent MEC results related to automotive design include:

• The metal-plastic bonded hybrid concept for front-end carriers, initially introduced on the Volkswagen Polo
• The blow-moulded PULSE™ PC-ABS structural seat back concept., which is currently experiencing broad application after its initial introduction on the Audi TT
• The application of BETAMATE™ crash-durable adhesives for body-in-white construction
• The application of IMPAXX™ energy absorbing foam for occupant protection
• New solutions for complete seating systems

Several of these developments have earned prestigious awards such as the R&D100, PACE Award, and the SPE awards for innovation.

In Europe, the MEC has people located in The Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland who work closely with our customers and liaise with the MEC worldwide to provide global support.

About Dow Automotive
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 centres, visit www.dowautomotive.com.