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SANTOPRENE TPV LOWERS COST OF
ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE AIR-INTAKE SYSTEM
Predator is First ATV to Feature Material
Traditionally used in Automotive Air-Ducts
 AKRON,
Ohio, Nov. 12, 2003 −
An air-induction tube developed for Polaris Industries Inc.
All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) uses material and processing
innovations to enhance engine air-intake performance and
reduce costs. Featured for the first time ever in the
company's Predator ATV −
named "Sport ATV of the Year" by three industry publications
in 2003 −
the air-induction tube exhibits an optimal combination of
flexibility and rigidity for reliable long-term performance.
Santoprene™
thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), typically used in automobile
air-ducts, gives the ATV air-induction tube its flexibility
while polypropylene (PP) provides for the part's rigidity. The
elasticity of Santoprene TPV is critical to fitting the ends
of the tube onto the air box and the Predator's
high-performance, liquid-cooled 500 cc engine. It's this
elasticity that enables these system components to move
independently of each other during demanding ATV operation.
"The
air-induction system of the high-performance Polaris Predator
is an exceptional example of how the ATV and personal vehicle
market is using Santoprene TPV to enhance underhood
performance and save costs, just like the automotive
industry," said Ulf Nilsson, global director, consumer
marketing, AES.
"Through
its favorable processing and performance characteristics,
Santoprene TPV provides Polaris a reliable product while
saving significant costs through parts consolidation and
processing efficiencies," Nilsson added.
Santoprene TPV also exhibits excellent sealability, which
helps prevent dirt, sand and other debris from entering the
air-intake system at the connection points
−
critical for optimal engine performance. The rigid PP helps
the tube withstand high pressures caused by intense airflow.
According to the Air Filtration Products Group (Stoughton,
Wis.) of Fleetguard Inc., system supplier to Polaris for the
Predator air-induction system, the molded tube consolidates up
to five parts into one, cohesive system. This saves Polaris
significant processing and assembly costs, and results in a
better product. Santoprene TPVs are manufactured by Advanced
Elastomer Systems (AES), and ExxonMobile Chemical affiliate.
MPC,
Inc., processes the air duct, and helped design the part in
conjunction with Fleetguard. MPC utilizes an innovative 3D
suction blow molding process
−
the only of its kind in North America, according to MPC
−
to form the tube. The process draws into a closed mold a
coextruded parison of Santoprene TPV and PP, with the
Santoprene TPV as the outer layer. The parison is sequentially
adjusted by computer to provide varying percentages of soft
Santoprene TPV and rigid PP in different sections of the mold.
The end result is an air-induction tube with high elasticity
at the ends (greater concentration of Santoprene TPV),
rigidity in the middle (greater concentration of PP), and a
smooth finish with no mold pinch lines, since the closed-mold
process eliminates flash.
"MPC's
3D suction blow molding process used with Santoprene TPV
facilitates tighter dimensional control, and reduces costs
through efficient material use, fast cycle times and reducerd
scrap,"said Crhis Ott, director of Marketing, MPC. "With these
benefits, we anticipate an increase in demand from the
recreational vehilcle industry for this innovative technology
for manufacturing large diameter, lightweight tubular products
with complex bends."
In
addition to Santoprene TPV's flexibility and sealability,
Fleetguard and MPC specified the material for this application
because of its good resistance to high temperatures, oil,
lubricants and chemicls.
Advanced
Elastomer Systems, L.P.
388 South Main Street
Akron, OH 44311-1086
Phone: 330.849.5000
Fax: 330.849.5599
Web Site:
http://www.santoprene.com/
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