The 14th edition of Municipalika 2017 sets new benchmarks in urban development

Left – Right : Mr. V. Suresh, Advisor, Good Governance India Foundation, Former CMD, HUDCO, Mr. Sudhakar Sambhaji Sonawane Worshipful Mayor, Navi Mumbai Municipalika Corporation, Mr. Koh Lin Ji Group Director, International Development Group Building and construction Authority, Singapore, Mr. Durga Shankar Mishra, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India, Mr. R Roshan Baig, Hon’ble Minister of Urban Development and Haj, Government of Karnataka, , Mr. Pawan Arora, Director of Local Bodies and Joint Secretary, Government of India, Mrs. Maya Singh Hon’ble Minister of Urban Development and Housing, Government of Madhya Pradesh, H. E. Mr. Nadir Patel High Commissioner of Canada in India - TGN. 

•An exhibition and conference for Smart and sustainable cities

Navi Mumbai, May 18, 2017 (TGN) : Municipalika 2017 held at the CIDCO Exhibition Centre from 18^th to 20^th May, 2017, provided the largest platform for players in the industry where they were able to connect with dealers, influencers, service providers, business investors, and government representatives. Municipalika is providing an opportunity to buyers, distributors, service providers in the smart and sustainable city solutions to connect, and is providing a wide exposure to the exhibitors to network.

The event inauguration was graced by Mr. V.  Suresh, Advisor, Good Governance India Foundation, Former CMD, HUDCO, Mr. Sudhakar Sambhaji Sonawane Worshipful Mayor, Navi Mumbai Municipalika Corporation, Mr. Koh Lin Ji Group Director, International Development Group Building and construction Authority, Singapore, Mr. Durga Shankar Mishra, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India, Mr. R Roshan Baig, Hon’ble Minister of Urban Development and Haj, Government of Karnataka, Mr. Pawan Arora, Director of Local Bodies and Joint Secretary, Government of India, Mrs. Maya Singh Hon’ble Minister of Urban Development and Housing, Government of Madhya Pradesh, H. E. Mr. Nadir Patel High Commissioner of Canada in India amongst others.

During the inauguration, the key speakers shed light on the activities carried out at both international and national levels, where they highlighted new plans and policies to aid and develop rural and urban areas. The announcement of Smart Cities by the Government and the ensuing work already done around it, has created the necessary momentum to introduce another 40 new Smart Cities in India by June 2017.

Along with the development of Smart Cities, would be allied projects that would provide basic services (e.g. water supply, sewerage, urban transport) to households’ and build amenities in cities which will improve the quality of life for all. Project Amrut, is being developed with a vision to provide water through the facility of tap to every household by the year 2019. Taking the water aspect and its severity with the new challenges being faced, rain water harvesting should be a priority which should be a part of all upcoming and existing housing developments. To manage water crisis, initiatives to have bore wells in the country, will help the farmers to avoid draught.

The importance of connectivity has grown and the dependence of public on transportation has grown. With the increased demand, the government of India has laid down a trail of 200 kms for the Metros and another 500 kms are proposed.

The three day Conference and Exhibition, with the theme of ‘Smart and Sustainable City Solutions’ will be providing an opportunity to showcase the best solutions for various challenges faced by growing cities of India. Municipalika Exhibition segment is one of the biggest in the country, with over 150 exhibitors showcasing technologies, equipment, products, software and solutions for Smart and Sustainable Cities, which covered all facets of urban and housing development and building construction activities.

Over a period of three days, Municipalika will be hosting not only the exhibition but conferences on various subjects that are of concern in the building and development of smart and sustainable cities, some of which include , Sustainable Built Environment And Communities,  Connected Cities For Efficient Urban Mobility, Inclusive And  Humane Cities For Housing For All,  Digital Cities  For The Enabling Frame Work And ICT Supporting Back Bone Infrastructure,  and  Integrated And Self-Contained Cities.

The Expo is expecting to see over 1,000 participants from 300 cities in India, Canada, and Singapore. The Government of Maharashtra is the Host state, and the event will be supported by Government of India and its ministries of Urban Development, New and Renewable Energy, Electronics and Information Technology, etc. Canada and Singapore will be bringing forth their rich global experience of decades in creating sustainable and vibrant smart cities with the best practices in planning, design, execution and good governance of cities.

“With Vancouver being the 3rd most liveable city in the world, we want to bring these innovative solutions to Indian cities. India is a priority market for companies from British Columbia and we are forging partnerships with several states, cities and municipalities”, said Joel Fernandes, Director, Trade and Invest British Columbia.

The co-located CAPEx (Construction, Architecture, and Planning & Engineering Expo) segment captured the leading building materials, technologies and construction equipment for structural, non-structural, finishing, building and plumbing services. Green building products which are environment-friendly and energy saving found an important place in the CAPEx segment.

Besides the presence of a large number of senior government officials, ULBs, urban parastatals, utilities etc, which have been the USP of Municipalika, there was also a strong focus on private sector stakeholders like real estate developers and builders, system integrators, consultants, EPC contractors, and professionals like architects, engineers, and urban planners attended Municipalika, and specially the co-located CAPEx segment.ENDS.

Ban On Commercial Surrogacy Is Unethical Says Experts At The Panel Discussion Hosted By Origin Foundation

Mumbai, 17 May, 2017 (TGN)  :Motherhood is a privileged right of every woman, ban on Commercial Surrogacy is unethical,expert’s comments on proposed surrogacy bill in panel discussion organized by Origin Foundation at Mumbai Marathi Patrakar Sangh.

Infertility specialist Dr Sandeep Mane has written the book “Surrogacy Dreams Come True”, which has been launched at Mumbai Marathi Patrakar Sangh on Saturday.

A historic discussion by the esteemed panelists such as Dr Snehalata Deshmukh (Ex Vice Chancellor, Mumbai University), Kumar Ketkar(Senior Eminent Journalist), Jayshree Khadilkar(Editor- Daily Navakal)  and Sudesh Hinglaspurkar(Trustee- Granthali Publication) took place. It was felt that everyone wants Commercial Surrogacy to continue, but in a proper manner. It is a complex matter and every effort must be made by us to help our government in making the new law.

Dr Sandeep Mane said, “ I salute all mothers all over the world, including surrogate mothers. I reject the terms “Rent a womb, baby farms and baby factory and god only knows what else”. These terms cannot be coined by Indians, because mother is everything for us. I reject insult of motherhood be it in the form of commercial surrogacy. If our people do not accept commercial surrogacy, please ban it, but I will not accept the insult of badnaming it. They are not renting their wombs, they are donating motherhood.  They are donating lives and continuing the legacies of the couple.  My book wants to honor motherhood in every form. The couples who undertake surrogacy after prolonged trying deserve the highest respect for being together in their fight.”

As Mr Kumar Ketkar said , “Commercial does not mean unethical. It can very well be ethical. This is our challenge. To make sure that it runs ethically. Let us come forward to help the government in drafting the law.”

Dr.Snehalata Deshmukh suggested, “ Let us form an experts committee to review this new bill. After experts comments and suggestion, Government should implement new bill.”

EditiorJayashree Khadilkar concludes, “ New Bill proposes that the lady should take help of her blood relations like sister, daughter in law for surrogacy. This may become complicated, because the child will face the birth mother and the genetic mother in the same house.  This is practically not possible. We should see human angle also. Surrogate mothers should get good financial package for their future.  Their financial security should be ensured”.

Sudesh Hingalaspurkar also agrees that better financial package for such mothers should be arranged. Their health related problems should  be solved.

At the end of the discussion, Dr Sandeep Mane said, “ I will be sending a copy of my book to the parliamentary standing committee on Surrogacy Bill” He appeals people to send their suggestions and ideas about new Surrogacy bill oninfo@theoriginfoundation.com. It is our responsibility to make sure that the law is made correctly, so that future generations do not suffer.Ends.

UBM India’s Concrete Show India witnesses the launch of its 5th edition

L-R : Mr. Michael Duck, Executive Vice President, UBM Asia

Mr. Samir Surleker, Vice President- West, Indian Concrete Institute

Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, UBM India

Mr. Harshad Patel-Member- Indian Construction Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (ICEMA) & Zonal Manager, Schwing Stetter India Pvt Ltddd caption

An industry congregation of over 100 top-of-the-line Indian and global companies

Mumbai, May 2017 (TGN) : Concrete Show India (CSI) 2017, the three day (4th – 6th May 2017 ) trade show hosted by UBM India, commenced today at the Bombay Convention and Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The event was inaugurated by Mr. Samir Surleker- Vice President- West, Indian Concrete Institute; Mr. Harshad Patel-Member- Indian Construction Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (ICEMA) & Zonal Manager, Schwing Stetter India Pvt Ltd; Mr. Michael Duck, Executive Vice President, UBM Asia; Mr.Yogesh Mudras – Managing Director, UBM India and Mr.Abhijit Mukherjee - Group Director, UBM India amidst an august industry gathering.

Concrete Show India covered key areas including roads and highways, housing, airports, ports, power, rail, dams & bridges. It brought together over 100 Indian and global suppliers and manufacturers from industries including concrete and construction, construction equipments, construction chemical and commercial & industrial flooring, all under one roof. This year, the show introduced a brand new category called Smart BuildTech that featured innovations in Automations, Software & IT systems and construction tools & instruments.

Speaking at the inauguration of the 5^th edition of Concrete Show India, Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, UBM India said, “For a massive country like India, improvement in infrastructure is a necessity.  Well supported by the government and with an allocation of a record Rs 3.96 lakh crore at the Union Budget 2017, the sector will witness a huge positive shift in 2017-18. A number of policies aimed at removing infrastructural bottlenecks as well as promoting sustainability of resources, have been initiated by the Union Government to further propel the industry’s overall development. With over 100 exhibitors, a plethora of exciting products on display, support from key associations and knowledge sharing, the Concrete Show India is positioned to provide industry professionals unrivalled business opportunities to congregate network and discuss industry trends, challenges and market insights. The kind of industry response we at UBM India have received towards our 5^th edition of the show further validates the potential of this industry.”

Prominent industry players like Lucid Colloids Ltd.; Bianchi Casseforme India Pvt. Ltd.; Reckli India; Hicrete Decorative Systems Pvt. Ltd; Atlas Copco (India) Ltd.; Concrete Additives & Chemicals Pvt. Ltd.; Skyway RMC Plants Pvt. Ltd.; Godrej Construction; Apollo Infratech Pvt. Ltd.; Ashtech; Shri Ram Panels; Reit Qgreen, MASA Concrete Plants India Ltd.; WAM India Ltd. and JK Cement Ltd., among many others, participated at the expo. The expo also featured international presence with participation from countries such as China, Germany, Italy, and Republic of Korea displaying an array of brands and products.

Concrete Show India 2017 has been well-received by the industry with support from key associations --  Indian Construction Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (ICEMA), Indian Concrete Institute (ICI), Construction Chemicals Manufacturers Association (CCMA), Cement Manufacturers Association (CMA), Consulting Engineers Association of India (CEAI), Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC), Ready Mixed Concrete Manufacturers' Association (RMCMA), Indian Association of Structural Engineers (IAStructE),  Indian Institution of Bridge Engineers (IIBE),  Logistics Federation of India (ILFI), Indian Society of Structural Engineers (ISSE), Ontario Building Envelope Council (OBEC), Pre Engineered structures Society of India (PSI),  among others.

Concrete Show India scored high on knowledge-sharing among its industry peers this year. The one-day conference saw technical seminars that focused on smart cities, sustainability and concrete infrastructure. The topics included -- ‘Planning Smart Cities’, ‘Constructing Smartly and Sustainably’, ‘Repair and Rehab for Concrete Infrastructure’, ‘New Generation Materials for Smart Cities’ and ‘Roads, Infrastructure and Connectivity’.

Industry reactions and launches at Concrete Show India 2017:

Godrej Construction, Mr. Abhijeet N. Gawde, Head- Business Development

“Cities in India are growing, and urbanization is now on a fast track. Cities need to accommodate new infrastructure and these needs are not short term. New structures for buildings and infrastructure needs to be long lasting, durable and outlast not just a certain parameter of time but also of use. Use of Durable and Sustainable construction materials would be the key going forward in next decades. Concrete Show India offers a good platform for showcasing advancement in the Construction Materials space and the government should focus on bringing in advance materials which are sustainable and new construction technologies from across the world which would add value to and all together different dimensions  in the Indian Construction industry. Many years of disinvestment has created the deficit in the infrastructure needs of India leading to a spike in demand for housing and other urban needs in recent years. Apart from securing land which is a major challenge to speed up infrastructure developments, issues such as transparency should also be addressed.”

SKYWAY RMC Plants Pvt. Ltd, Mr. Arvvind Dubeyy, Chief Operating Officer

"After the agriculture Sector, the construction sector in India is considered to be the second largest employer and contributor to the economic activity. The construction sector also accounts for most inflow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) after the services sector and employs more than 35 million people in the country. 50% of the demand for construction activities in India comes from the Infrastructure sector, while the rest comes from Industrial activities, residential and commercial development. The Concrete Show 2017 would attract maximum footfall, in terms of Builders, Architects, Purchase Heads and other relevant visitors from the industry, which would open up further opportunities for the exhibitors to showcase their expertise. Some major challenges of the construction Industry, are land acquisition issues,  environmental clearances, lack of coordination, inappropriate structuring of the projects, demarcation of risks and rewards between the Government and private sector, lack of a proper dispute resolution mechanism between private players and government agencies. We are showcasing our latest innovative products like ”SKYCOOL”,“SKYFLOW”,“SKYFILL”,“DURASKY”, “EASYSKY” and “SUPER STRENGTH SKY”. We are consistently setting our benchmark to a different level by adding various innovative products every year."

REIT QGREEN MACHINES PVT LTD, Mr. SOJI T.P, Business Associate

“With a strong Government at the centre with focus on the Infrastructure growth of the country, the Construction and the Infrastructure Equipment Industry in India is growing at a rapid pace with a CAGR of close to 5 %. India being a developing country has some work to do in the infrastructure space, creating projects like port connectivity projects, container terminals, metro rails, bullet trains, high speed rail corridors, network of parallel highways connecting east to west and north to south. Mumbai Nagpur Super Connectivity Highway is a start to this ambitious plan. We are expecting contractors, builders and building material and precast producers from all over India to visit our booth to meet their requirement for automatic plants to produce Concrete Paver Blocks, Solid / Hollow Blocks, Flyash Bricks, Kerbstones, Retaining Wall Blocks etc. In addition to this , Concrete Show India will be an ideal platform for us to meet our existing customers, share with them the latest technological developments in our field. In spite of rate cuts, still the interest rates are high in India compared to that of developed countries. High interest cost is one among the major challenges in India. Next one is lack of skilled manpower to operate and maintain these sophisticated plants. This year, we are displaying our Automatic Concrete Block Plant's prototype, working videos and samples of value added products made by leading producers in India in our booth.”

DeeTech ToolsLLP, Mr. Gaurang Doongursee, Managing Director

“We are a manufacturing company located in Mumbai, India.  We manufacture state of the art diamond tools for the stone and construction industries.  We have recently launched our new line of diamond tools under the name of ProHybrid which offers our customers world class quality tools for wall saw, floor saw, wire saw and for drilling applications in the construction industry.  Our expectation from the Concrete Show is to build brand awareness and get a scope of the overall market. The biggest challenge we see going ahead in this new line of diamond tools for construction is bringing quality and brand awareness to the end customer.  We see ourselves placed as a high quality tool manufacturer which is looking to establish not only in India but also as an exporter for the said products. As mentioned above we have a new line of diamond tools under the name of ProHybrid Series.  Our core drill, wire saw, floor saw and wall saw tools are all designed to give the end user benefits such as fast cutting with a good service life.  Our ProHybrid series has various innovations in diamond placement technology, welding and all our tools are processed through the advanced Hot Isostatic Pressing route.”

Elematic India Pvt Ltd., Mr. Shrikant Luktuke, Business Development Manager

 “The new construction methods will play a vital role if India is to meet ambitious vision – Housing for all. The time has come to think in a different way, need to introduce fast construction method and technology at the same time we have to improve our skill and knowledge at par with the new construction technologies. With introduction of concept of smart cities and vertical construction - presence of companies in the field of fast and innovative construction technologies, waste management, intellectual building management systems, HVAC, MEP are prominently present themselves in concrete show which according to me is a very positive sign of this exhibition. This is the only platform in Mumbai which attracts potential visitors whether they are builders, contractors, architects or structural consultants. This time too, we expect more visitors with pre conceived mind to adapt new technology and methods.”

UBM India launches the first edition of ‘World of Facilities’

(L to R): Mr. Sandeep Sethi – Managing Director – West Asia , Integrated facilities Management – JLL India Mr. Dharminder Salwan – Director Black Rock APAC & Board Member INFHRA Mr.Yogesh Mudras – MD, UBM India Capt. Rajesh Sharma - Vice President - Office Services, APAC & MEA Mr. Abhijit Mukherjee – Group Director, UBM India - Photo By Sachin Murdeshwar

Mumbai May, 2017 (TGN) : UBM India, India’s leading exhibition organizer launched the first edition of World of Facilities (WOF) today at the Bombay Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC), Goregaon, Mumbai. A three day exhibition (24th – 26th April 2017), World of Facilities is India’s premier trade event & conference for the facility management product & service industry.

The inaugural ceremony of World of Facilities 2017 took place in the presence of key dignitaries Mr Sandeep Sethi- Managing Director – West Asia, Integrated Facilities Management- JLL India, Mr. Dharminder Salwan, Director Blackrock APAC & Board Member INFHRA, Mr. Yogesh Mudras – MD, UBM India and Mr. Abhijit Mukherjee – Group Director, UBM India, amidst a sizeable industry gathering.

Through the expo, UBM India provided a trade platform for the facilities management supplier industry to showcase their innovative products & services, network, and connect with key decision makers from every level of a wide range of sectors. With leading global real estate services firm JLL as its knowledge partner, the expo also witnessed a high profile conference on the sidelines where stalwarts from the fraternity discussed industry trends, a peek into future possibilities, challenges, market insights and also provided in-depth solutions.

The show brought together more than 100 exhibitors and over 200 major Indian and global brands of  the facilities management industry such as HIKVISION, Zeta, NESTLE, Cannon Hygiene, 3M, Karcher Cleaning, Charnok Cleaning, Uniclean, MCS, Buzil Rossario,  Pure Duct Services, SMS,  Sierra ODC , Aura facility Management, Arrow Greentech Ltd,  Synconext India Pvt Ltd. and MCS Solutions (P) Ltd, Fine Grace, HygieneTech, amongst others.

WOF showcased an exciting array of novel and futuristic products and services, ranging from smart solutions, security solutions, air conditioning & mechanical ventilation, to energy management, environmental management, Hygiene cleaning and waste management solutions, FM Software & IT solutions, Facilities Services, workplace, HR services and much more. Significantly, the event is well-supported by key associations — Hospitality Purchase Managers Forum (HPMF), Global Infra-facilities and Project Management Association (GIFPMA), The Infrastructure Facility Human Resource & Realty Association (iNFHRA) and Indian Pest Control Association (IPCA); Knowledge Partners —  Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL India ), along with Maharashtra Fire Service as a partner.

The two-day conference delivered unique and innovative value propositions to exhibitors and visitors alike. It focussed on the endless possibilities in the domain as well as challenges faced by Facility Managers, Admin and Operations Managers, Purchase Managers, Facility Technical Heads on cost management, manpower management, integrated facility management, automation, security and new technologies.

The conference has an excellent selection of renowned speakers from the industry that include Mr. Sandeep Sethi, Managing Director -West Asia; Integrated Facilities Management, JLL; Mr. Subroto Mukherjee, Head Administration & Facilities Management, Cipla Ltd.; Mr. Sandeep Sudan, Head – Centre of Excellence – Global Corporate Security, Reliance Industries Limited; Ms. Ratna Pawan, Global Head of Security Risk, GSCs and Technology; HSBC Operations, Service and Technology – Operations | HSBC Electronic Data Processing India Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Manish Kachhy, Head Intelligence & Vigilance, Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd., and Ms. Gandhali Samant, Senior Technology Evangelist – Microsoft, to name a few.

Day 1 saw renowned industry thought leaders engaging in panel discussions on ‘Getting FM to boardroom’; ‘Data, Analytics & Internet of Things’; and ‘Sustainability: Strategic or Tactical Approach?’ and knowledge sessions on ‘Technology & the changing role of Facility Managers’; ‘Trends impacting FM industry’; ‘Driving value through technology enabled procurement’; ‘Energy Procurement’ and ‘Evolving partnership models’.  The schedule for Day 2 includes panel discussions on ‘Diversity & Inclusion – An industry fad or robust business sense?’; ‘Cleaning, Hygiene, Waste Management  & Green Solutions’; ‘Attracting talent to the FM industry (industry examples)’; ‘Pest Control : Pest Impact on Properties – role of IPM, FM Industry & Public Health’ and ‘FM’s role in managing new age talent’. Further, it will have knowledge sessions on ‘Future of work’; ‘Ensuring Security through technology’; and ‘Changing scenario on Compliance & Labor Laws’, to name a few.

Speaking at the maiden launch of World of Facilities 2017, Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, UBM India said, “A combination of several factors has created a huge potential for FM services in India. These include the boom in real estate, growth in retail and hospitality sectors, modernisation of technology, increased standards of living, and the need for efficient management of vast and ever increasing human traffic at malls, hospitals, airports and workplace clusters. The industry is expected to reach a value of approximately $19.4 billion by 2020.  Simultaneously, the tendency towards eco-friendly, green initiatives — that will help conserve energy and resources for the future — have also led to an increased sensitisation towards facility management services.

He added, “As innovators and community influencers, UBM India felt it was the right time to present the maiden edition of World of Facilities to India and showcase top-of-the-line, novel and the most eco-friendly products on offer. I am sure the World of Facilities will further catalyse the growth of this sector and its conferences will provide relevant food for thought to industry professionals.”

Sandeep Sethi, MD – Integrated Facility Management, JLL West Asia, and also Chairman, Steering Committee, World of Facilities, said, “The facilities management industry is about $7.5 billion large. It has grown by around 15% in the last three years. The projections are that it will continue to grow at the same pace through 2020. It is at this opportune time that JLL as knowledge partner has joined hands with UBM India to launch World of Facilities. This is going to be India’s premier and most comprehensive B2B platform for the facility management industry.  The show comprises two formats – expo and conference. The event catered to many local and global suppliers, manufacturers, consultants, service providers, along with thousands of people participating from different verticals. All participating organisations will benefit from the extensive learning and showcasing of latest initiatives by the facilities management industry. With JLL as the knowledge partner, along with support from various organizations, such as Maharashtra Fire Services, iNFHRA and a few others, World of Facilities is set to provide a unique platform for various stakeholders from across the world, across different industries to engage, network and learn from each other. JLL is delighted to partner with UBM to influence the facilities management landscape for this powerful event.”ENDS. 

Thermoplastic composites from LANXESS for engine shields, fuel tank covers and center tunnel covers in the underbody area

Bentley Bentayga Engine - TGN

• Excellent durability on rough roads
• Dramatically increased strength and stiffness
• Same mold for standard components and custom parts

Cologne, 11 May, 2017 (TGN)  : Frequently used for off-road assignments or for driving on extremely poor roads, jeeps and SUVs need to be fitted with particularly durable underbody panels. An innovative material solution for such custom parts is based on the continuous-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites of the Tepex brand made by LANXESS’s subsidiary Bond-Laminates GmbH. These enable the manufacture of virtually indestructible engine shields, fuel tank covers and center tunnel covers which were specially developed for the MLB53A platform. They are already in use on several standard models such as the Bentley Bentayga. In the future they will also be applied in the Audi Q7.

“In a trial on a rough and rocky test track, the components withstood the extreme wear and tear of the underbody hitting the surface as well as gravel impact with virtually no damage at all,” says Harri Dittmar, Tepex applications developer. On top of that, the composite material simplifies the production process. “Custom parts can be produced in the same mold as the corresponding standard vehicle components. Processors don’t need to turn other materials and can eliminate investments in additional molds and presses with higher clamping forces,” adds Dittmar.

Simple compression molding process

The shields and covers for the standard and custom models are both fabricated in a compression molding process using polypropylene-based low-weight reinforced thermoplastics (LWRT). The large LWRT blanks are heated in a convection oven and inserted by a robot into a compression mold that can shape up to four components simultaneously depending on part size. The components are then punched out of the finish-contoured blanks or cut out with a water jet. To fabricate the components for the custom parts, a 0.5-millimeter-thick Tepex insert is additionally placed on top of the LWRT blanks and molded together with them, so that the resulting components have a Tepex surface on the side facing the road.

The engine shields and the tank covers are manufactured by ElringKlinger Abschirmtechnik AG, based in Sevelen, Switzerland. It uses the LWRT material ElroCoustic. The center tunnel covers are fabricated by Röchling SE & Co. KG of Mannheim, Germany, from its own LWRT material called Seeberlite. The inserts for all of the custom parts are made of Tepex dynalite 104-RG 601, comprising a polypropylene matrix in which 47 percent by volume continuous glass fiber rovings are embedded as a single-layer fabric.

Outstanding sound absorption

The top layer of Tepex significantly increases the strength, stiffness and above all the toughness of the LWRT components. Dittmar: “Because of its unique structure, LWRT additionally has a very good sound-absorbing effect, which would not have been possible with other compression molding compounds and would have meant less comfort.” The durability of the composite structure can be increased even more if Tepex is used not only on the side facing the road but also on the inside as an overlay. “The result would be a sandwich structure with a core made of LWRT that is even stiffer but nonetheless still lightweight,” says Dr. Egon Moos, Product Manager Underbody Systems at Röchling Automotive.

Wide range of applications

Tepex is used in more than just car underbody panels. It has since become established in many other series applications in automotive lightweight construction. The composite material is shaped and back-injected to make seat backrests, front-end components, brake pedals and bumper crossbars. On account of Tepex’s growing application potential in lightweight automotive engineering, LANXESS has set up a dedicated project group headed by Henrik Plaggenborg that supports partners worldwide through all stages of Tepex component development right up to production launch. 

For more detailed information on Tepex properties, applications and processing technologies, go to www.bond-laminates.com.