New Solutions for Improved Design and Less CO2

Solutions based on CRE.ACTIVE Design IN MOLD COLOR and in combination with functionality provide the answers to current market challenges which also demand the fulfillment of technical requirements such as specific mechanical properties and, for example, resistance to chemicals or weathering. Instead of having to compromise, the CRE.ACTIVE Design approach makes it possible to achieve compatibility between the following elements:·        

• INNOVATIVE DESIGN        
• REDUCTION OF THE CO₂ FOOTPRINT
• COST REDUCTION     
• RECYCLABILITY

  CRE.ACTIVE DESIGN – IN MOLD COLOR

  IN MOLD COLOR solutions facilitate countless and innovative design possibilities: The CRE.ACTIVE Design portfolio includes technical plastics in colors with profound impact, with high-gloss finishes and/or matt effect on smooth or textured surfaces and also with the possibilities of a metallic effect, soft touch or ceramic feel. A combination of surfaces with high-gloss, grained and laser-textured areas can be created on the same part with the use of just one tool. CRE.ACTIVE Design provides a multitude of design options while at the same time offering significant energy and cost savings in comparison with the use of multiple tools and subsequent surface treatments such as lacquering. Reduction of the CO₂ footprint is a current and shared challenge for all sectors.

There are various possible paths to achieving this goal – the CRE.ACTIVE Design IN MOLD COLOR solutions immediately offer multiple benefits because they optimize the entire process: No additional processes are required for part decoration after injection molding, for example, the transport and energy costs are lower and fewer raw materials are used – meaning that the finished product has a significantly lower CO₂ footprint than a product produced using conventional methods. The recyclability of the IN MOLD COLOR solutions provides additional benefits as a valuable resource for a closed loop materials cycle because no additional color lacquer is used.

CRE.ACTIVE DESIGN – FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES WITH NO SURFACE TREATMENT

ROMIRA makes a further contribution to CO₂ reduction with the IN MOLD COLOR solutions through functionalization of the part surfaces through appropriate modification in the compound with no further treatment of the finished part. The use of tribologically functionalized compounds constitutes a cost-effective, recyclable and durable solution, for example, in contrast to laborious work with anti-squeak lacquer or manual application of anti-squeak strips at the contact points through to avoidance of the use of greases.

The use of these added anti-squeak measures also makes recycling more difficult or even renders it impossible. ROMIRA has been successfully working on the development of tribological compounds for automobile manufacture for many years and offers solutions for all points where direct contact between components is unavoidable owing to design factors.

The innovative ROMILOY^® and ROTEC^® compounds such as on the basis of ABS, PC+ABS, PC+ASA,PA and PBT were thus developed in order to achieve tribological effects against PA compounds with mineral or glass reinforcement, as well as synthetic leather as a friction partner, particularly for plastic part applications even after long-term annealing at high temperatures. 

Among the array of successful applications, it is possible to name solutions with tribological compounds from ROMIRA which are used in the field of folding consoles, armrests, locks, slide rails, ashtrays, switches, door retaining rods, height adjustment units, seat belts, sunroof elements and linkages. When it comes to wear, these compounds also offer an advantage over material solutions with PTFE additives, which have lower surface quality and are subject to higher wear in endurance tests: Parts made from the ROMIRA compounds stand out with excellent wear resistance and long-term properties and do not require any additional surface treatment. 

The CRE.ACTIVE Design solutions from ROMIRA therefore make a significant contribution to improvement of the carbon footprint, whether just as IN MOLD COLOR or with integrated functionality. ROMIRA is proud to have been able to provide numerous commercial applications with the CRE.ACTIVE Design solutions already. The trade fair team will be delighted to present the CRE. ACTIVE Design solutions at the upcoming K trade fair, Hall 8A, Stand B28!