Ford has selected Arnitel TPC from DSM Engineering Plastics for the production of vacuum brake tubes for its recently launched new Ford Fiesta.In doing so, Ford has acknowledged the advantages of Arnitel for this specific application. Ford already uses Arnitel in similar applications in a number of its models: Ford Mondeo, Ford S-Max, Ford C-Max, Ford Galaxy and Ford Focus.
Design criteria for hoses and tubes in automotive engineering as well as in industrial environments are characterized by growing demands on performance, processability and design freedom of the materials used. In this respect, Arnitel thermoplastic copolyesters are emerging as a cost-efficient and sustainable alternative that far exceeds established materials in critical properties.
Automotive vacuum brake tubes must not only resist elevated temperatures and fluids common in this environment, including battery acid. They should also show a maximum resistance to punctures and, above all, cracks and tears. Arnitel delivers the ductility to meet these requirements over a wide range of continuous use temperatures from 40°C to +110°C as well as at short-term peak temperatures of up to 180°C.
Arnitel’s outstanding heat resistance can often eliminate the need for additional heat shields or over-length tubes, thus reducing system costs and vehicle weight. In addition, Arnitel meets the strict requirements of the FMVSS 106 standard with regard to the ozone resistance of materials used for brake tubing.
In a benchmarking exercise, comparing the Arnitel solution with a metal/rubber system, results clearly demonstrate that Arnitel’s high temperature resistance enables a more compact design of the vacuum brake tube, leading to a significant system cost reduction.
