Dow expands composite processing capabilities
Dow Automotive Systems has expanded its capabilities in composite processing technology with two new development facilities—one in Freienbach, Switzerland, and the other in Midland, MI. The labs support global automotive and commercial transportation customers with an emphasis on carbon-fiber composites. The 200-m2 (2150-ft2) Composite Technology Center in Freienbach opened in April and is equipped with a large high-pressure resin transfer molding (RTM) machine for prototype production. It also offers development and testing facilities for resins and related adhesives, as well as an Adhesives Training Center. The Midland tech center, which opened in June, accommodates technologies associated with direct long-fiber processing, prepreg, preforming, compression molding, and laminating. This 465-m2 (5000-ft2) site is co-located with key corporate R&D capabilities including analytical sciences, the Materials Engineering Center, and polymer chemistry and processing related expertise. The two new composite technology facilities are part of Dow Automotive Systems’ strategy to support the industry’s push for more lightweight solutions.
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Dow Automotive Systems' new Composite Tech Center in Freienbach is equipped with a large high-pressure resin transfer molding (RTM) machine for prototype production.
Europe toughens truck cab safety test
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN ECE) on Jan. 4 published the 03 series of amendments to Regulation No. 29 on commercial vehicle cab safety which introduces some significant amendments to the pendulum impact test procedures, according to InterRegs, an online resource for global vehicle safety and emissions regulations. The changes increase the impact energy level for the existing front pendulum impact test from 44 kJ to 55 kJ, specify an additional front pendulum impact test designed to test the cab’s A-pillars, and require that the cab roof be subjected to a lateral pendulum impact prior to the roof crush test being conducted. Compliance with these new requirements becomes mandatory for new types of truck from Jan. 30, 2017.
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