JSP Creates New Low-squeak ARPRO®JSP, the leading supplier of ARPRO expanded polypropylene (EPP), has developed an anti-squeak formulation for car interiors. JSP was approached by specialist moulder Febra to provide an innovative solution to noise vibration and harshness (NVH) issues and after concerted development work was able to offer a variant with a non-slip additive that reduces the material's coefficient of friction.Interior ‘squeaks’ are created when components adjacent to each other or to the body of the vehicle (such as a spare-wheel-insert toolbox) vibrate independently. The noise is the result of the “stick-slip” effect caused by the transfer of vehicle kinetic energy overcoming friction and creating movement between the parts. New ARPRO formulations that significantly reduce stick-slip, help reduce interior noise dramatically. “Squeaks and rattles are not only an issue for the engineer, but also for the driver,” explains Paul Compton, JSP’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (Europe). “Now that powertrain and road noise in the modern car are lower, vehicle interiors have become the focus for NVH reduction. Squeaks also affect the perceived quality of a product and can become a warranty issue for the OEM.” Sun visors are a prime example of noise generation, where the interaction between multiple materials creates alternating sound frequencies, further increasing noise harshness. Using ARPRO as the core material provides simpler moulded inserts, added energy absorption, component consolidation, easier assembly, lighter weight and enhanced recyclability; but the preferred two-half-shells construction still raises the issue of stick-slip. Compton elaborates: “ARPRO already overcomes many of the challenges posed by the automotive industry, but low-squeak ARPRO solves a real dilemma between production issues and perceived interior quality.” JSP is expert at tailoring ARPRO for specific applications. The material is remarkably versatile and is seeing use in an increasing amount of automotive applications. The development of a formula offering low-squeak characteristics is just one of many that JSP creates, in collaboration with Europe's leading car manufacturers and their suppliers.
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