Micro-foam gains traction in Detroit. (In Brief).

The growing range of automotive applications of the MuCell microcellular foaming process licensed by Trexel Inc., in Woburn, Mass., will be displayed at the NPE show in Chicago this month. Trexel (booth 3038) plans to showcase dynamic weather-seals of TPV for doors, trunks, and hoods (see photo). They are extruded by Jyco Sealing Technologies in Dexter, Mich. MuCell foaming with C02 creates closed-cell structures, says Alex Schroder, Trexel's extrusion sales director. This contrasts with the water and chemical foaming that generate open-cell structures vulnerable to moisture pickup--a source of seal failure. Also, existing methods for making seals are said to be vulnerable to density variations, surface irregularities, and high downtime, whereas the MuCell process improves manufacturability, according to Schroder.

Meanwhile, Branson Ultrasonics in Danbury, Conn. (booth 2542), plans to show vibration welding of a complex air-intake manifold from two halves injection molded of glass-reinforced nylon 66. MuCell foaming provides improved flatness and dimensional stability, claims Dan Szczurko, Trexel's v.p. for injection molding. This reportedly makes welding easier and potentially faster than before, and cuts weight by 5%.

In booth 1085, JSW Plastics Machinery, Inc., Corona, Calif., will run a 200-ton all-electric press molding automotive door-lock parts of glass-reinforced PBT. MuCell foaming reportedly provides essential dimensional stability along with 10% density reduction and 14% cost savings. Trexel: [phone], www.trexel.com