Automaker Ford has selected Arnitel thermoplastic copolyesters (TPC) from DSM Engineering Plastics for the production of vacuum brake tubes for its recently launched new Ford Fiesta. Ford already uses Arnitel in similar applications in a number of its models: Ford Mondeo, Ford S-Max, Ford C-Max, Ford Galaxy and Ford Focus. Automotive vacuum brake tubes must not only resist elevated temperatures and fluids common in this environment, including battery acid. They should also show a maximum resistance to punctures and, above all, cracks and tears. The company claims Arnitel delivers the ductility to meet these requirements over a wide range of continuous use temperatures from 40°C to +110°C as well as at short-term peak temperatures of up to 180°C.
Arnitel is said to have excellent heat resistance to often eliminate the need for additional heat shields or over-length tubes, thus reducing system costs and vehicle weight. In addition, it also meets the strict requirements of the FMVSS 106 standard with regard to the ozone resistance of materials used for brake tubing. In a benchmarking exercise, comparing the Arnitel solution with a metal/rubber system, results clearly demonstrate that Arnitel's high temperature resistance enables a more compact design of the vacuum brake tube, leading to a significant system cost reduction, the manufacturer said.
06-Jul-09 
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