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Automotive

Teknor Apex has been a trusted automotive industry partner for decades, with a proven track record for delivering on even the most demanding automotive challenges. With global expertise, unparalleled support, leading innovation, and one of the most comprehensive portfolios of plastic solutions on the market, we're ideally positioned to help our automotive partners reach their goals.

Autonomous self driving electric car change the lane and overtakes city vehicle. High quality photo

Building a New Future for Automakers

As the industry grows and adapts, we’re at the cutting edge of the changing needs for both traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, as well as Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). Teknor Apex is at the forefront of helping the global transit infrastructure evolve and optimize for the realities of the modern world. We’re dedicated to understanding the automotive industry—inside and out.

Automotive Challenges

Automotive challenge lightweighting and other design challenges
Weight Reduction and Efficiency

In both traditional gasoline-powered vehicles and in BEVs, the industry is making a big push to replace heavier materials like metal and thermoset rubber with plastics that are strong, yet lightweight. Lighter materials translate to improved fuel efficiency and a significant improvement in overall driving range.

Cost Efficiency
Reducing Environmental Impact

Consumers are increasingly eco-conscious, and automakers are looking for ways to make their vehicles more sustainable. This could mean exploring bio-based alternatives, innovating end-of-life solutions, or using solutions with recycled content—such as Sarlink® Rx 3100 Series TPVs, with up to 30% post-industrial recycled content. 

Automotive Challenges Electric
Electrification

Electric vehicles require entirely different powertrains compared to traditional Internal Combusion Engine (ICE) vehicles. This requires a shift in manufacturing processes, supply chains and workforce skillsets. Battery range anxiety remains a concern for consumers, and the lack of widespread and readily available charging stations is a significant hurdle for EV adoption. A robust charging infrastructure will require significant investment across the entire industry.

Sarlink® TPV vs EPDM – Your Quick Reference Guide for Automotive Sealing

For decades, Sarlink® TPVs have been steadily displacing EPDM rubber in automotive weather seals. The main drivers for switching from EPDM to TPV are performance enhancements, weight reduction, and improved manufacturability. There are recycling benefits from switching to TPV as well. All of these factors make Sarlink TPVs the more sustainable material choice. Check out our quick reference guide to help you make more informed decisions about material selection.

Applications

Sealing Systems

A well-functioning sealing system provides a flexible interface between the various components of the vehicle (metal, plastic or glass) to prevent the passage of air, water or noise.

Applications: Glass Run Channels, Corner Molding & End Caps, Window Encapsulation, Belt Line Seals, Gap Fillers, Slip Coating Materials

Sealing Systems

Interior

Soft, flexible plastics play an important role in automotive interiors. In general, soft parts protect the passenger cabin from dirt, wear, and stains, while providing a soft-touch feel to improve comfort.

Applications: Bin Mats, Cup Holder Liners, Soft-Touch Grips, Knobs & Buttons, Floor Mats, Lamella Air Vents, Seat Adjustment Handles, Cable Ducts, Hand Grips And Arm Rest Skins, Shifter Boots, Thermoforming Applications

Red automatic gear stick of a modern car, car interior details

Exterior

Automotive exterior applications include static seals and molded or extruded trim that close the gaps between different parts of the vehicle, protect the vehicle from damage, while improving the vehicle’s aerodynamics and aesthetics.

Applications: Molded & Extruded Trim, Hood To Cowl Seals, Mirror Gaskets, Roof Ditch Molding, Spats/Wheel Arch Liners, Wiper Blade Spoilers, Bumper Extensions, Sunroof Trim, Windscreen Finishers

Car Exterior

Under the Hood

Materials for under the hood applications have to perform in extreme conditions due to high temperature, constant vibration, and contact with a variety of harsh fluids and other elements.

Applications: Engine Covers, Valve Covers, Oil Pans, Air Management Systems, Wire Harness Fasteners & Connectors, Active Grill Shutters, Cable Ducts, Fuel Line Covers, Hoses & Tubes, Oil Caps And Oil Fill Tubes, Dust Covers, Rack & Pinion Boots, Fuel Fill Housing

City car structure overview during driving. 3d illustration

Chassis

The chassis consists of the base framework of a motor vehicle and anchors the key components including the suspension system, wheels and body.

Applications: Cable Management System Fasteners, Suspension Components, Gear Shift Housing And Bases, Transmission Brackets

Chassis Segment

Wire & Cable

Automotive wiring requires wire harnesses and convoluted tubing to keep critical vehicle systems in place and running smoothly.

Applications: Mechanical Control Cables, Wire Harness Conduit & Convoluted Tubing

Wire Cable

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