DAF Trucks, Styrolution and Takata co-create for new DAF XF Euro 6 Cabin series
Frankfurt, Germany
A leading European producer of medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicles, DAF Trucks was one of the early pioneers to replace sheet molding compound (SMC) with ASA. DAF Trucks continues to lead the European market in its material selection and design. For the 2013 DAF XF Euro 6, DAF Trucks chose Styrolution ASA specialty grades Luran S 797S and Luran S KR2866C for a combination of highly durable painted and unpainted parts for the upper truck cabin and lower chassis, integrating both function and aesthetics.
Product co-creation at its best
Styrolution worked directly with DAF Trucks throughout several design iterations, supporting both the cabin and chassis teams in generating superior impact resistance and dimensional stability. Stability was a key requirement for all components in the DAF XF Euro 6 cabin series, as the typical ten-year life cycle of a truck is much longer than that of a car. DAF Trucks, Styrolution and Takata, the newest member of the collaborating team, worked together closely to uphold product requirements, with DAF Trucks overseeing the implementation of the mold flow results, process steps and welding.
Key points:
Quotes:
Toon van den Einden, supply process manager - Polymers, DAF Trucks: "DAF Trucks has relied upon the quality and performance of Styrolution's products for nearly two decades. At DAF Trucks, we involve our partners very early on in the development cycle and this was certainly the case with Styrolution for the development of the DAF XF Euro 6. Styrolution's Luran S ASA and ASA/PC grades have proven to be all-around quality solutions that combine dimensional stability, UV- and chemical resistance, and heat aging performance for premium aesthetics over time. This is especially important due to the long life cycle of our vehicles."
Horst Hesse, manager Europe Sales NAS, TAKATA PlasTec GmbH: "One of the keys to our success is to partner with suppliers who can work shoulder-to-shoulder with us to address our customers' unique requirements. Not only does Styrolution offer a broad range of high-quality styrenics but they also have the technical and industry expertise, as well as the development resources to help us innovate at the material level in order to meet and exceed customer needs."
Pierre Juan, global industry lead, Automotive, Styrolution: "DAF Trucks is truly a pioneer as it was one of the first truck manufacturers to move to thermoplastics. It is the highest compliment for us to continue working closely with their teams, co-creating innovative parts over many years and product generations."
ABOUT INEOS STYROLUTION
INEOS Styrolution is the leading, global styrenics supplier with a focus on styrene monomer, polystyrene, ABS Standard and styrenic specialties. With world-class production facilities and more than 85 years of experience, INEOS Styrolution helps its customers succeed by offering the best possible solution, designed to give them a competitive edge in their markets. The company provides styrenic applications for many everyday products across a broad range of industries, including automotive, electronics, household, construction, healthcare, toys/sports/leisure, and packaging. In 2015, sales were at 5 billion euros. INEOS Styrolution employs approximately 3,100 people and operates 15 production sites in nine countries.