Soft-touch parts are molded from one compound that separates in the mold

摘要

The 2002 DaimlerChrysler Dodge Ram has a shifter for 4X4 transmission operation. When Ram is sold without the 4X4 transmission, there is a gap which is filled with an eight inch by three inch bin. Designers specify a soft feel to the interior of the bin. Textron Automotive, PO Box 7054, Troy, MI, USA, uses its 'Intellimold' technology to form the bin in one shot, doing the same job usually done with either two shot molding or soft touch painting. To accomplish this, the compound used contains a high modulus polymer mixed with one of lower modulus: 70% Santoprene 111-87, a TPE (ThermoPlastic Elastomer) from Advanced Elastomer Systems, and 30% Escorene PP (polypropylene 7414 from ExxonMobil.