Feature

Lightweight material for automotive market

A new lightweight insulation material developed for the automotive market is being launched at a major industry event in June.

18/05/2016 14:09:03

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The Autins Group will be demonstrating Neptune, a patented, ultra-fine, lightweight performance fibre at the Automechanika expo, which is coming to the UK for the first time on 7 - 9 June. As the sole UK and European manufacturers and distributors, Autins has selected Automechanika for the product’s European launch.

Developed using new technology from Korea, Neptune is made from a blend of polyester and polypropylene fibres with a range of weights available from 150gsm. Stable at temperatures of up to 120°C, the material offers a superior lightweight solution for many acoustic and heat absorption needs in vehicles. Neptune is also suitable for use in a variety of applications in the marine, rail and agriculture industries.

“Neptune is a real game changer for the automotive industry so Automechanika seemed the ideal place for a high profile European launch,” comments Jim Griffin, CEO of the Autins Group. “We have invested a lot of time and effort in the design of our stand as we want as many people as possible to see the product up close for themselves. We are confident that they will be impressed.”

The Autins stand 11H72 will include the company’s full size demonstration Mini which has been upgraded to include parts made from Neptune. There will also be sample components from the Neptune range on display.

In addition, there will a chance to view products made by companies that are part of the Autins Group. Indica Automotive is demonstrating a range of foam components and visitors to the stand will also be able to speak with staff from the group’s newly established R&D facility, the Autins Technical Centre.

Neptune is manufactured by Solar Nonwovens Ltd., part of the Autins Group, at a new site in the West Midlands. Setting up production at the site has involved a £4 million investment, which has included the shipping of specialised equipment from Korea.

The Autins group has also recently set up an R&D facility at MIRA Technology Park in Warwickshire to enable the company to offer commercial materials testing to companies from a range of industries, including automotive.

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.