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Better understanding of molding materials and mold and machine system is an essential part of knowledge to increase the productivity and become globally competitive in the thermoset molding business. In the present paper, 1) a quantitative analysis of factors affecting flow behavior, 2) a mathematical model describing the rheological behavior of thermosetting compound as a function of shear rate, temperature and polymerization rate (Temperature, Time) and 3) a quantitative approach to design processing and mold based on the above information will be presented.

Recent automotive styling trends have led to increased temperatures in the vehicle interior and underhood compartment. Specifically, solar heating through the larger glass areas has helped raise the interior soak temperature, which has increased the demand for air conditioning and accessory loading in order to maintain passenger comfort. In addition, various electronic components and a constrained air flow caused by front-end styling have all contributed to significant increases in underhood temperatures. The impact of the passenger compartment temperature increases is seen in increased interior component warpage, cracks, discoloration and reduced life of interior plastics and fabrics. Similarly, underhood plastics will experience more severe temperature environments. In this paper, the effects of high temperatures on plastics performance and key material characteristics (KMC) will be reviewed, and a strategy of materials selection to meet end-user requirements will be discussed.

As many of the matured automotive vehicle markets such as North America, Europe and Japan become saturated and fiercely competitive, world major auto manufacturers have been looking for other parts of the globe as potential markets where they could make additional sales and achieve better returns on their invested manufacturing facilities, tooling and engineering. The globalization of automotive technology will take place as the major players alone or with local partner(s) develop, manufacture and market vehicles globally. Historically, two decades ago GM successfully pioneered a single world car design, Chevette which was built in six countries. The recent Ford global car, “CDW-27” is an ambitious program aimed at global market and is still to be evaluated for it's success. Because of the perceived advantage of global operations and improved world trade environment, it is generally expected that globalization of the auto industry will be accelerated on a even faster pace.