XencorTM HPPA LGF Outboard Housing Recognized for Exceptional Rigidity, Sustainability, and Dimensional Stability
Syensqo, a leader in high-performance specialty polymers, and ZF, a Tier 1 supplying advanced mobility systems, are proud to announce that the outboard housing developed for Volvo’s EX90 vehicle, and manufactured using XencorTM HPPA long glass fiber (LGF) reinforced, has been honored with the prestigious Automotive Award 2024 by the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Central Europe.
This innovative thermoplastic outboard housing, the first to be used in a steering system over a metal one, won third place in the Chassis Unit - Structural Component category, recognizing outstanding advancements of plastics for the technology and design of tomorrow's vehicles. The combination of XencorTM HPPA long-fiber technology with the component’s design, achieves the necessary rigidity and stability to withstand extreme temperatures (-40°C to +125°C) and dynamic loads, all while offering a favorable cost-performance ratio. The use of XencorTM HPPA LGF thermoplastic over metal enabled weight saving of approximately 40% in this application.
“Syensqo's specialty polymers have advanced lightweight, fuel-efficient, and cost-effective mobility solutions for decades. We’re honored to receive this award as a testament to our proficient collaboration with ZF Group and Volvo in a crucial automotive application."
Given the safety-critical nature of the steering system, Syensqo developed comprehensive durability and aging models to ensure long-term reliability. The innovative one-shot injection molding process used for this component allows the integration of functional elements, such as metal dowel pins for precise alignment and molded sealing ribs to enhance sealing performance. Unlike traditional aluminum high-pressure die-casting housings, the thermoplastic material provides inherent corrosion resistance, eliminating the need for additional anodization.
Syensqo team receives the SPE Automotive Award at the Bilder Award Night 2024 in Bonn (Germany) on June 28th.
From the left: Thilo Stier SPE Award Committee / Marco Prigant EMS-Chemie Sponsor / Cartsen Tüchert Syensqo / Klara Baues Syensqo / Robert Kolloch ZF Group Head of Product Engineering / Sridharan S. Krishnan ZF Group Senior Product Engineer / Andreas Lutz Sales Manager Transportation / Leon Vervuurt Technical Specialist Injection Moulding/ Bernard Rzepka SPE Award Committee
Thermoplastic outboard housing developed by ZF for Volvo’s EX90 vehicle and manufactured using XencorTM HPPA long glass fiber (LGF) reinforced
Syensqo is a science company developing groundbreaking solutions that enhance the way we live, work, travel and play. Inspired by the scientific councils which Ernest Solvay initiated in 1911, we bring great minds together to push the limits of science and innovation for the benefit of our customers, with a diverse, global team of more than 13,000 associates in 30 countries.
Our solutions contribute to safer, cleaner, and more sustainable products found in homes, food and consumer goods, planes, cars, batteries, smart devices and healthcare applications. Our innovation power enables us to deliver on the ambition of a circular economy and explore breakthrough technologies that advance humanity.
Learn more at www.syensqo.com.
ZF is a global technology company supplying advanced mobility products and systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial technology. Its comprehensive product range is primarily aimed at vehicle manufacturers, mobility providers and start-up companies in the fields of transportation and mobility. ZF electrifies a wide range of vehicle types. With its products, the company contributes to reducing emissions, protecting the climate as well as enhancing safe mobility. Alongside the automotive sector – passenger cars and commercial vehicles – ZF also serves market segments such as construction and agricultural machinery, wind power, marine propulsion, rail drives and test systems.
With some 168,700 employees worldwide, ZF reported sales of €46.6 billion in fiscal year 2023. The company operates 162 production locations in 31 countries.
Volvo Cars was founded in 1927. Today, it is one of the most well-known and respected car brands in the world with sales to customers in more than 100 countries. Volvo Cars is listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm exchange, where it is traded under the ticker “VOLCAR B”.
"For life. To give people the freedom to move in a personal, sustainable and safe way." This purpose is reflected in Volvo Cars' ambition to become a fully electric car maker by 2030 and in its commitment to an ongoing reduction of its carbon footprint, with the ambition to be a climate-neutral company by 2040.
As of December 2023, Volvo Cars employed approximately 43,400 full-time employees. Volvo Cars' head office, product development, marketing and administration functions are mainly located in Gothenburg, Sweden. Volvo Cars' production plants are located in Gothenburg, Ghent (Belgium), South Carolina (US), Chengdu, Daqing and Taizhou (China). The company also has R&D and design centres in Gothenburg and Shanghai (China).
