Technical Paper
Advanced Processing Techniques for Expanded Polypropylene Foam
2003-03-03
2003-01-1130
Advancements in Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) foam processing techniques permit a more targeted response to automotive industry requirements including increased energy management efficiency, parts consolidation, reduced offset tolerances, and lower prices. This paper will describe these advanced processing techniques and the advantages they provide for energy management applications such as FMVSS 201, FMVSS 581, pedestrian impact safety, and IIHS 8 kph bumper impact testing requirements. Some quasi-static and dynamic stress-strain information, as well as some cellular (bead foam) modeling information is included. The energy management capability of a molded EPP part is a direct function of its molded density. Multiple densities can be strategically located within a given molded part in a one-step or multi-step process in order to meet specific customer requirements.