The vehicles used for transporting people and goods constitute a hugely important field of application for plastic compounds, especially in the context of current efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of transport.
Generally speaking, they must have the following properties: lightness, fire resistance, heat resistance, resistance to chemicals and weather agents, attractive aesthetics, strength.
LATI is therefore concerned not only with structural parts, redesigned in such a way as to optimise their safety and reliability even without using metals, but also with interiors, engine compartments, brakes and mechanical parts, ancillary systems, infotainment and connectivity solutions. Always bearing mind the issue of the end-of-life disposal of the vehicle.
Engineering polymers are among the protagonists of the revolution now under way in the automotive industry. Light and robust compounds are replacing metals as structural materials, antistatic grades are increasing the safety of fuel systems, while self-lubricating products are making it possible to eliminate oil and grease. Under the bonnet, PPS and PPA perform safely at temperatures ranging from -40 to +150°C. In vehicle interiors, advanced and highly aesthetic solutions are guaranteeing dimensional stability and seamless joints. Super-light non-foam grades deliver densities well below 1 g/cm3. Furthermore, we are now seeing, in this sector, the emergence of self-extinguishing materials that LATI has long produced.
The car world is destined to see, in the near future, not only BEV and PHEV vehicles, but also more connectivity, electronics and sensors.
LATI is ready for this, being able to offer the best self-extinguishing materials usable in battery charging systems, thermally conductive grades for cooling electronics and LEDs, EMI shielding solutions, and thermally conductive structural solutions for smart metal replacement.
LATI strongly believes in the development of rail transport and in the growing use of plastic compounds within this sector.
This explains why it offers numerous compounds complying with EN45545 and NFPA130 standards to ensure the highest protection rating, suitable for applications both inside and outside the carriage.
Not only self-extinguishing but also conductive and structural compounds to replace thermosets.
The use of polymers in shipbuilding is extremely challenging, given the problems associated with continuous exposure to sea water, solar radiation and hydrocarbons.
Appropriately formulated PA, PPA, PPS and PEEK resins are the best answer in terms of meeting the need for strength, resistance to salt and UV radiation, reliability over time and aesthetics.
When building aircraft, every gram less translates into a competitive advantage for the manufacturer.
Located in the area where Italy’s aerospace industry is based, LATI is well aware of this and, accordingly, offers PA, PPS and PEEK-based structural, self-lubricating, and electrically conductive compounds: in terms of mechanical, thermal and chemical properties, these products provide perfect solutions for both fixed and rotary wing aircraft.
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