PAWTUCKET, RI, U.S.A., November 20, 2024: Teknor Apex, along with Maillefer, a Davis-Standard Company, hosted a two-week live demonstration and technical seminar for customers, inviting other key industry partners to participate and showcase the latest advancements in thermal management technology for electric vehicles. The unique thermal characteristics of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV), including their heat generation, temperature sensitivity, and space constraints, necessitate a fundamentally different approach to thermal management compared to traditional ICE vehicles. Traditional material solutions for fluid management, like EPDM rubber, are being challenged as the application requirements have changed, the number and length of hose required has significantly increased, emphasized by the critical need to improve battery efficiency via weight reduction. While Sarlink® thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV) offer the performance and versatility that the industry seeks, validation is required to demonstrate their suitability for BEV coolant hoses.
Manufacturing and assembly of automotive coolant hoses is complex – involving several steps and processes to ensure the hoses meet industry standards for durability, safety, and performance. The complexities of coolant hose manufacturing include different types of constructions (mono, multilayer or reinforced), material selection and coolant compatibility, reinforcement technologies, and yarn type, the thermoforming process, and connector assembly. Teknor Apex has taken a holistic approach, actively collaborating throughout the value chain to offer the industry validated Sarlink® TPV solutions.
“Our 100-year legacy is built on strong partnerships. By collaborating with industry leaders, we're accelerating the development of innovative EV fluid management solutions.” said Ger Vroomen, Senior Account Manager of Teknor Apex. “We are going beyond material development to understand the entire application process, including extrusion, hose design, long-term coolant-contact performance, and even thermoforming.
Maillefer opened their Swiss facility and R&D Center with a dedicated hose extrusion line for a two-week period beginning October 29 to co-host this series of customer seminars involving live product demonstrations and technical presentations. Participants learned about the latest innovations and the overall advancements in the coolant hose manufacturing process and witnessed the production of three innovative Sarlink TPV coolant hose constructions with yarn reinforcement (knitting): a hose designed for superior acoustic performance, a hose engineered for compatibility with the new generation low electrical conductivity coolants, and a sustainable hose incorporating post-consumer recycled content.
“For a decade, our R&D Center has been a hub for extrusion application development and industry collaboration. By opening our doors to customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders, we're pushing the boundaries of manufacturing and driving innovation in partnership with the entire supply chain," said Philippe Moeschler, Vice President of Maillefer’s Pipe & Tube Business Line.
This event is a hallmark of the rich history of innovation and partnership that has defined Teknor Apex for the last century. “We are committed to ongoing technical innovation, developing high-value, sustainable solutions for the automotive industry. Our international, cross-functional teams work together with our partners to deliver solutions for even the most demanding challenges of electrification. This collaborative customer event is a testament to our centennial celebration, recognizing the contributions of our people, products, and partners,” adds Mr. Vroomen.
Sarlink® TPVs are the premier choice for critical applications that require superior elasticity and long-term performance, like hoses as well as extruded seals and molded gaskets. Sarlink® TPVs have been steadily replacing EPDM rubber for decades in automotive applications due to improvements in processing, design, and weight reduction, and will continue to gain traction in electric vehicle applications for the same reasons. The comprehensive portfolio of Sarlink TPV solutions satisfies the unique needs of multiple hose constructions and functions, and unlike EPDM rubber, are highly recyclable, both in-process and at the end of the product’s life cycle.
Sarlink® TPVs are manufactured according to the standards of ISO-9001 in the USA, Singapore, and Belgium with strict formulation control and traceability. For more information, please contact us at tpe@teknorapex.com
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