Dow and Graco jointly launch Betafoam NVH solution for GAC-Fiat

Incorporating Dow Automotive’s Betafoam technology and Graco HFR System, the Betafoam NVH solution is engineered for automotive manufacturers to apply in vehicle acoustical cavities to reduce air and road noise which improves the NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) performance of the vehicle. Ultimately, this provides a quieter and pleasant riding experience. This NVH solution will be first utilized by GAC-Fiat in their new line of passenger cars.

Betafoam is a two-component polyurethane foam that can be used in NVH, stiffness and energy management applications. Along with its good cavity blocking performance, the foam is adhered to primed metal surfaces, delivering insulation and sealing benefits in a single product. As a result of the 34 times higher volume expansion rate that gives the foam its low density, Betafoam provides barrier protection against airborne noise, achieving a noise reduction 2 – 5 dB less than its counterparts in the market, says Dow Automotive. Betafoam also contributes to the total mass reduction of the vehicle body. The foam’s capability to fill any cavity shape and contour also offers design flexibility, eliminating the need for re-designs after sheet metal changes. The low-MDI formulation of Betafoam lessens the ventilation requirements of manufacturing plants, improving the environmental conditions of the auto manufacturing process.

Partnered with Dow Automotive technical experts, Graco developed a brand new HFR (Hydraulic Fixed Ratio) Metering System that enables accurate measurements of specific ratio and volume. As the material is being dispensed, HFR is automatically fine-tuning and adjusting the process to achieve consistency in material flow and pressure, while the fixed ratio results in better foam quality and less scrap and rework.

“This innovative system, specifically designed for Betafoam, is being used in the China market for the first time,” said Jeff Johnson, VP, Asia Pacific, Graco, “as a result of optimized modular design, the system is not only easy to operate, it also effectively reduces material and operation costs, which in turn creates cost reduction benefits for the entire vehicle.”

“We expect this to be a great start of our partnership in the China market and we plan to bring more innovative solutions and more pleasant riding experiences to the Chinese consumers,” said Takahiro Sugiyama, Vice President for Dow Automotive Systems Asia Pacific.

At the end of 2011, Dow launched Betafoam Renue, the latest soybean-based acoustical foam with renewable ingredients. According to the company, the partnership with Graco serves as a foundation for the future application of Betafoam Renue in the Asian market.