Another automaker has announced plans to use Trexel Inc.'s MuCell molding technology in future production.
Ian Ray, Jaguar Land Rover's principal materials engineer, said during an interview with PRW that the carmaker intends to begin using MuCell for all vehicles by 2017.
Ray was interviewed during a showcase for MuCell molding technology in Engel Holding GmbH presses at Engel's Leamington Spa offices April 23.
MuCell allows for plastic part design with material wall thickness optimized for functionality and not for the injection molding process. The combination of density reduction and design for functionality often results in material and weight savings of more than 20 percent.
Unlike chemical foaming agents, the physical MuCell process has no temperature limitation and does not leave any chemical residue in the polymer.
Ray added that JLR plans to produce a million vehicles a year by 2020.
