Freeglass GmbH & Co. KG of Schwaik-heim, Germany, is using swivel-platen technology from Krauss-Maffei Kunststofftechnik GmbH to do multicomponent injection molding of automotive side windows and sunroofs from polycarbonate.
Freeglass molds the parts on two KM presses that combine an expansion/compression molding process with the swivel platen, to produce parts with large surface areas virtually free of internal stresses, according to the Munich, Germany-based machinery manufacturer.
The parts are coated after molding for protection against ultraviolet light and scratching.
Not only does a PC sunroof weigh less than a glass one, it eliminates the danger of glass splintering on impact.
Freeglass molds the parts in its new factory in Schwaikheim.
The press maker's U.S. unit, Krauss-Maffei Corp., is based in Florence, Ky.
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