Elastomers give one fine ride

Oct. 23, 2003
The Cadillac CTS was recently honored with the Car Interior of the Year Award thanks in part to BASF's Elastoskin polyurethane material.

The Cadillac CTS was recently honored with the Car Interior of the Year Award thanks in part to BASF's Elastoskin polyurethane material. Elastoskin elastomers, an alternative to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other skin materials commonly used for automotive interiors, are said to offer good grain definition and style, durability, abrasion resistance, weatherability and UV stability, and long-lasting gloss and color. They also are claimed to provide a soft feel over a wide temperature range.

The CTS' instrument and door panels are supplied by the Interiors Group of Intier Automotive, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada. Company officials there say the Elastoskin elastomers, in combination with the company's own Pur-Fect Skin technology, helps it create interior components with excellent grain definition, tactile feel, and durability.

Sponsored Recommendations

Sept. 16, 2025
From robotic arms to high-speed conveyors, accuracy matters. Discover how encoders transform motor control by turning motion into real-time datadelivering tighter speed control...
Sept. 16, 2025
Keep high-torque gearboxes running efficiently with external lubrication and cooling systems delivered fast. Flexible configurations, sensor-ready monitoring, and stocked options...
Sept. 16, 2025
Now assembled in the U.S., compact P2.e planetary gear units combine maximum torque, thermal efficiency, and flexible configurations for heavy-duty applicationsavailable faster...
Sept. 16, 2025
Safety in automation goes beyond fences and emergency stops. Learn how functional safety actively monitors and controls motiondelivering smarter protection, greater flexibility...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!