COBA Automotive are at the forefront in developing TPV (Thermoplastic Vulcanizates) profile technology
to replace rubber profile in a wide range of applications.
TPV are high-performance elastomers, which offer manufacturing flexibility, ease of processing and durability.
By offering superior & consistent performance across automotive, industrial and demanding customer applications, TPV offers the potential for reduced system costs & reduced weight when compared to materials such as thermoset rubber (EPDM).
As a thermoplastic, TPV is fully recyclable, contributing towards sustainability and environmental initiatives. Recycling waste and scrap can even be added in the production process.
EPDM Extrusion Line – Typical Length
TPV Extrusion Line – Typical Length
Example part: Waist Belt Seals
*Typical savings based upon four 1000mm seals per vehicle. Volume car production of 100,000 units year, over a vehicle production lifecycle of 7 years.
Weight Saving Per Year*
Due to the properties of TPV materials profile cross sections can often be made thinner giving additional weight savings whilst still meeting the same performance specifications. Tight tolerances & specifications can also be offered.
We are proud to have developed the first exterior TPV seal pack in Europe for use on a moving sunroof application. The innovative 11 component TPV seal packs are now in full production, and feature on the new Toyota Corolla.
These types of sunroof seals have historically been made from EPDM rubber. Working closely with our Tier 1 automotive customer, we ran multiple FEA and CAD simulations and conducted material trials to create a functional seal pack, that was in turn accepted by the OEM.
The TPV parts developed and supplied by COBA were over 20% lighter by material SG compared to EPDM rubber. Further weight saving benefits were also created as a result of re-designing the seal cross sections, made possible by using TPV. This supports the drive towards reducing vehicle CO2 emissions, weight reduction and electrification. TPV is also fully recyclable, supporting sustainability and environmental initiatives.
By using less material and removing weight by design, we were able to pass on cost savings to our customer.
Get in touch for support on your next project.
Telephone: +44 (0)116 240 1555
Email: sales@cobaautomotive.co.uk
