Altuglas International

Automotive
Acrylics Processing Technology and Support

Altuglas International acrylic resin

processing technology offers:
• Cost reduction.
• Increased process yields.
• Reduced development time.

Injection molding resins must be capable of meeting the Standard and impact modified PLEXIGLAS acrylic resins are
increasing complexity of automotive component part design compatible with each other. Various grades may be combined
demanded by today’s styling trends. PLEXIGLAS acrylic resins in multi-shot or insert molding operations to optimize process
have been developed to meet these increasing requirements. yields and minimize part cost.
From conventional single shot injection to insert and multicol-
All Altuglas International resin production
or processing, Altuglas International has the material and technical
facilities carry the QS 9000/ISO 9002 certification. This assures
expertise to make your concept a reality.
that when PLEXIGLAS resins are specified, you receive the quality
PLEXIGLAS acrylic resins are available with varying flow char- your application demands.
acteristics. This provides molders the flexibility to balance
The PLEXIGLAS acrylic resin product line is supported with
performance requirements with the processing characteristics
a staff of technical service engineers ready to assist you with
demanded by the application.
design, material selection and processing recommendations.
PLEXIGLAS acrylic resins provide excellent molded part surface Altuglas International OEM experience, on-site technical service
quality; ideal for decorative parts critical to vehicle appearance. and joint design efforts with tier 1 and tier 2 suppliers reduces
Their durable, high gloss finish can eliminate the need for development time lowering overall introduction costs.
costly decorating and protective coating process steps.

For more information on PLEXIGLAS

acrylic resin, call 1-215-419-7506
 Flow Length* vs. Melt Temperature Flow Length* vs. Part Thickness
(3 mm part thickness) (265 °C Melt Temperature)
140 175

130 160

120 145

Flow Length (cm)

Flow Length (cm)
Melt Flow

110 130
V825 V825
100 MI-7 115 MI-7
V052 V052
90 100
V826 V826
80 DR 85 DR

70 70
230 240 250 260 270 280 2.3 2.6 2.9 3.2 3.5 3.8
Melt Temperature (°C) Part Thickness (mm)
*Flow data generated using mold filling analysis simulation. Constants of 70° C
mold temperature, 15,000 psi cavity pressure and 1.0 inch3/second fill rate were
used for all runs.

Vicat Softening Temperature Injection molding of PLEXIGLAS acrylic resins is readily accom-
(50N Load, 50° C/hour) plished with most injection molding machines. Their flow characteristics
120
are superior to that of most other thermoplastics with which they
100 compete. Their broad melting range and high temperature thermal
Heat Resistance

stability provide for an extended processing window permitting efficient

Degrees Centigrade

80
part production.
60
Flow path length is a practical measurement of polymer viscosity.
40 The flow length of each PLEXIGLAS acrylic resin grade is dependent
on melt temperature, injection pressure and part thickness. Part flow
20
requirements often dictate which PLEXIGLAS resin should be used.
0
DR MI-7 V052 V825 V826 PLEXIGLAS acrylic resins are differentiated by three primary
characteristics; melt flow, heat resistance, and toughness. Individual
grades have been formulated with varying combinations of these char-
acteristics to meet specific application needs.
Falling Dart Impact
10
Mean Failure Energy (ft.-lbf)

8
Toughness

0
DR MI-7 V052 V825 V826
 Insert Molding Economics Total Molded Insert Cost Cracking problems can be solved by selecting the proper
Processing and Material
Surrounding Lens PLEXIGLAS resin grade. PLEXIGLAS MI-7 medium impact acrylic resin
3.5 Material Cost
is particularly well-suited for insert molding operations where its
Surrounding Lens
3.0 Processing Cost toughness reduces cracking and increases process yields lowering
Manufacturing Unit Cost ($)

2.5 overall part production costs.

2.0 Part performance is maximized by minimizing the stress induced

1.5 during the molding process. The polymer processing and design
experience of Altuglas International technical service engineers can be a
1.0
valuable resource for optimizing your process efficiency and part
0.5 performance. For complicated designs, mold filling analysis may prove

0.0 useful for material selection and tool design.

Conventional Acrylic Insert PLEXIGLAS MI-7 Insert

20% cost savings realized due to the elimination of part cracking during insert molding. PLEXIGLAS acrylic resin regrind can be used at levels up to 100%
Process yields increased from 66% to 97+%
under certain processing conditions. A maximum use level of 25% is
recommended when regrind is not repelletized prior to use. The use of
regrind does not harm mechanical properties but care should be taken
Mold Filling Analysis
to avoid contamination and the development of excessive heat history
Pressure which may effect part appearance. PLEXIGLAS acrylic resins may
(psi) 11000 also be blended with other polymers such as ABS and SMA for
6500
efficient use of sprues, runners, and defective parts. Application specif-
4500
2000 ic experiments should be run to determine practical use levels.
0.0
Table is a general guide for PLEXIGLAS acrylic resin usage in
automotive applications. Unique application demands may require
special consideration. Contact an Altuglas representative for further
assistance.

PLEXIGLAS Resin Application Guide

Resin Grade

PLEXIGLAS PLEXIGLAS PLEXIGLAS PLEXIGLAS PLEXIGLAS

Application V052 V825 V826 MI-7 DR
Exterior lenses • • • •
Interior lenses • • •
Exterior trim • • • •
Interior trim • • •
Instrument cluster lenses • •
Light guides • •
Subdials • •
Reflex reflectors • • • •
Insert molding • • • •
Inner lenses • • •
 Altuglas® and Plexiglas® are registered trademarks belonging to
Arkema.

Plexiglas resins are combustible thermoplastics. Observe fire pre-

cautions appropriate for comparable forms of wood and paper. For
building uses, check fire code approvals. Impact resistance is a
factor of thickness. Avoid exposure to heat or aromatic solvents.
Clean with soap and water. Avoid abrasives.

Headquarters Americas The statements, technical information and recommendations con-

Altuglas International tained herein are believed to be accurate as of the date hereof.
Arkema Inc.
Since the conditions and methods of use of the product and of the
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information referred to herein are beyond our control, Arkema
Philadelphia, PA 19103
T 215.419.7000 expressly disclaims any and all liability as to any results obtained
F 215.419.5512 or arising from any use of the product or reliance on such infor-
mation; NO WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR
Arkema Canada Inc.
PURPOSE, WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, OR ANY OTHER
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L6J 5A3 GOODS DESCRIBED OR THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN.
T 905.847.4789 The information provided herein relates only to the specific prod-
800.567.5726
uct designated and may not be applicable when such product is
F 905.825.9296
mauricio.fernandes@arkema.com used in combination with other materials or in any process. The
user should thoroughly test any application before commercializa-
Detroit Office tion. Nothing contained herein should be construed as an induce-
Altuglas International
ment to infringe any patent and the user is advised to take appro-
Arkema Inc.
priate steps to be sure that any proposed use of the product will
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Milford, MI 48380 not result in patent infringement.
T 248.887.2245
F 248.887.0452

Arkema Quimica Ltda. Plexiglas acrylic

Av. Ibirapuera 2033 plastic is a combustible
Sao Paulo, SP thermoplastic. Observe fire
precautions appropriate for
04029-901 comparable forms of wood and
T +5511 2148 8562 paper. For building uses, check
code approvals. Impact resistance
F +5511 5051 4780 is a factor of thickness. Avoid
carlos-de.lion-neto@arkema.com exposure to heat or aromatic
plexiglas.brasil@arkema.com solvents. Clean with soap and
water. Avoid abrasives.

Arkema Mexico SA de CV
Via Gustavo Baz 2160 Edif 3
54060 Tlalnepantla, Mexico
T +55 5002 7115
F +55 5002 7137
agustin.xoconostle@arkema.com
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Hidalgo 444-A, Col. Centro
66050 Escobedo, N.L.
T +81 8058 1903
F +81 1367 0968
teresa.lopez@arkema.com
T +55 5002 7130

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