Teknor Apex's newly developed line of flexible PVC injection molded compounds has been successfully used in the automotive window sealing sector and has significantly reduced surface gloss and provides a rubberized finish matched to adjacent EPDM components while retaining the PVC Cost-effective. Teknor Apex will introduce enhanced formulations at booth NP 2202 at NPE 2018.
The newly enhanced Apex® 1523 compound, named the 'Apex 1523-LG' series, offers gloss similar to EPDM rubber belt seals or window chutes, enabling PVC-sealed window manufacturers to meet OEM requirements, namely More closely matches the machined surface of these key façade parts Standard PVC compounds used for window sealing have minimum gloss levels in the range of 9 to 12 as defined by the SPI Polishing standards and these are achieved by etching of the mold surface Or sand blasting, while the Apex 1523-LG series of compounds achieve gloss in the range of 3 to 4 without the need for mold surface treatments, eliminating the need for mold maintenance and repair to maintain a consistent surface appearance between the parts, Thus saving the relevant costs.
The Apex 1523-LG family of compounds has received several OEM material approvals, including the GMW-16084 specification for triangular windows from General Motors and the MSDC543 specification for triangular windows and skylights from Chrysler Teknor Apex is available in the United States, Europe and China These compounds are made.
Steve McCormack, Industrial Manager Automotive Products at Teknor Apex, said: "The introduction of low-gloss compounds is particularly important as PVC dominates the window sealing material and is valued by manufacturers for its advantages over elastomers. Similar to standard PVC, the new Apex 1523-LG series offers relatively low formulation costs, better protection against scratches and fouling, excellent glass adhesion and excellent colorability. In fact, no matter how many customers worldwide Made in one location, Teknor Apex can match any color and supply a uniform product. '