A dual-layer polyamide/mPPE cooling pipe for EV battery thermal management offers excellent bending properties, hydrolysis resistance, and low ion elution properties. Image courtesy of Asahi Kasei/Business Wire.

Japanese technology company Asahi Kasei will exhibit its range of diversified material solutions at Fakuma 2024 from Oct. 15 to 19 in Friedrichshafen, Germany. Highlights include polymers for thermal management applications in EVs, a novel thermoplastic elastomer for improved recyclability of automotive interior parts, and a cellulose nanofiber composite for high-performance 3D printing.

In parallel, Asahi Kasei will introduce its solvent-based recycling process for the first time in Europe. By applying dissolution recycling, high-quality PA 66 can be obtained from process scraps and post-consumer-recycled (PCR) materials such as airbags.

"Pyramid is a terrific company and represents a significant step in SyBridge's journey to build a leading franchise in life sciences manufacturing solutions," said Tony Nardone, CEO of SyBridge. "With this acquisition, SyBridge’s Life Sciences Business Unit now has a strong presence on both the eastern and western parts of North America to better serve our customers. Our strategy will be to continue to grow our life sciences customer base through organic growth and selective acquisitions to expand SyBridge’s capabilities and geographies.

Bonding to the polypropylene (PP) core layer is possible in the same or separate injection molding step. The strong chemical bonding between all layers eliminates the need for additional adhesive layers. Asahi Kasei's new SEBS contributes to reducing the total number of materials, simplifying the manufacturing process, and improving the recyclability of interior components.

The acquisition of Pyramid expands SyBridge's capabilities to offer highly complex precision tooling solutions for the life sciences and other target industries. As a part of a larger organisation, Pyramid will leverage SyBridge’s design, engineering, supply chain, and production capabilities to better serve and grow with its customers.

From automotive head-up displays to head-mounted displays and smart glasses, requirements related to the weight and design of optical devices have become increasingly demanding. Asahi Kasei’s transparent AZP polymer features almost zero birefringence, overcoming the challenges of conventional transparent polymers in applications with polarizing light. Its superior processability compared to glass enables the large-scale production of injection-molded optical components that fulfill demanding customer requirements.

Asahi Kasei will present its materials and solutions in three different areas: Compact & Safe EV Batteries, Improved Connectivity & Lightweighting, and Sustainable Material Life Cycle at its location in hall B5, booth 5319.

A novel transparent polymer reportedly outperforms incumbents such as polycarbonate and acrylic in automotive head-mounted displays. Image courtesy of Asahi Kasei/Business Wire.

New York based private equity firm Crestview Partners established SyBridge Technologies in 2019 and committed $200 million of equity to create a value-added manufacturing solutions provider spanning across end-markets, geographies, and advanced technological capabilities.

Stephen has been with PlasticsToday and its preceding publications Modern Plastics and Injection Molding since 1992, throughout this time based in the Asia Pacific region, including stints in Japan, Australia, and his current location Singapore. His current beat focuses on automotive. Stephen is an avid folding bicycle rider, often taking his bike on overseas business trips, and a proud dachshund owner.

Located in Rancho Cucamonga, California, Pyramid manufactures precision multicavity plastic injection moulding tools focusing on the life sciences industry while also serving personal care and select industrial markets. The company was founded in 1995 and uses state-of-the-art engineering and manufacturing capabilities to provide precise and effective customer solutions.

At Fakuma, Asahi Kasei also will show multilayer cooling pipes that do not require an adhesive layer. These two-layer pipes employ the company’s Leona polyamide (PA) on the outside and Xyron mPPE on the inside. This product offers excellent bending properties, hydrolysis resistance, and low ion elution properties.

SyBridge Technologies, a global industrial technology company, has completed the acquisition of Pyramid Mold and Tool. This transaction, which is SyBridge’s fifth acquisition in the last 10 months, further expands SyBridge’s customer base and footprint in the life sciences end-markets.

The company will also present its comprehensive solutions for establishing a sustainable life cycle for PA 66. In the field of chemical recycling, the company works with Japanese partner company Microwave Chemical, utilizing a microwave process to depolymerize automotive airbags and other PA 66–based parts and directly obtain the monomers hexamethylenediamine (HMD) and adipic acid (ADA). Currently undergoing trials, the process is expected to achieve high yields with low energy consumption. The monomers obtained can then be used to manufacture new PA 66.

At the battery island, the company will showcase Xyron modified polyphenylene ether (mPPE) featuring high non-halogenic flame retardance and low ion elution properties. This material is suitable for thermal management applications in EV batteries.

“Pyramid's superior capabilities in high precision tooling are an ideal fit with our platform and will allow us to better support our customers,” said Bill McDonough, President of SyBridge's Life Sciences Business Unit.

Asahi Kasei will also showcase a bio-based and biodegradable cellulose nano fiber (CNF) at Fakuma. This material is made from cotton linter and features high heat resistance and a network-forming capability. CNF-reinforced PA exhibits thixotropic behavior, making it highly suitable for 3D-printing applications requiring dimensional accuracy, a smooth appearance, and mechanical performance. Furthermore, CNF exhibits superior material recyclability compared to glass fibers.

Balancing sustainability and functionality without sacrificing cost-competitiveness is a major issue for car manufacturers. To tackle this challenge, Asahi Kasei is currently developing a thermoplastic styrene block copolymer (SEBS) grade for automotive interior surfaces, which require good haptics and soft touch. Conventional approaches use different materials and production technologies for the skin, foam, and core layers in automotive instrument panels, door panels, armrests, or center consoles. The new SEBS material is suitable for both skin and foam layers, which can be molded in one step by utilizing a core back injection molding process.

The Japanese resin supplier will highlight polymers that support sustainability, comfort and performance in automobiles at the plastics-focused trade show in southern Germany.