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Dow's Centre of Excellence Boosts Automotive Technology
Recent global organizational developments at Dow Automotive have seen equipment transferred to the Modeland Centre in Sarnia from other laboratories within North America . The new Sheet Molding Compound (SMC) line and compression molding presses complement existing molding machinery. In the words of Allan James , senior R&D leader, “this new line has helped us to become a full-capability research facility for thermoset materials.”
In essence, the Dow Automotive Research Centre works for its automotive customers by testing and developing up to full-size auto parts which can be used to more accurately demonstrate production molding capability and part performance, ultimately facilitating production launches. The Centre specializes in two areas: polyurethane foam materials (noise and vibrations insulation, headrest and interior trim applications) and polyurethane reaction injection molding (body panels for cars and trucks, fascia and trim).
 Several years ago, the Centre developed a new side fender for the GM Silverado truck that resulted in big savings. The new thermoset polymer panel can withstand high temperatures up to 400 degrees Farenheit and doesn’t need to be protected during the rust-proofing process. More recently, the Centre helped a customer bring down scrap levels from 30-50% to 3-10%. “We enjoy bringing creative solutions that work for our customers, it is what drives our business”, concluded Allan James .
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