Page 65 - Plastics News November 2018

press reLeAse

Sustainable and Silent

THERMOLAST® K helps Askoll innovate the e-mobility of power-

assisted bikes and electro-scooters

taly’s leading manufacturer of electric two-wheelers chosen THERMOLAST® K compound also had to offer good
Ihas specified the use of THERMOLAST® K for two flowability to ensure a precise, tight and faultless fit of
precision gasketing applications on the new battery boxes the gasket on the narrow contact surface of the lower box
of a growing range of power-assisted bikes and electro- component. In addition, the compound lends the critical
scooters. Askoll, based in Dueville (Vicenza, Italy) is using long-life mechanical properties required to withstand the
the thermoplastic elastomer material from KRAIBURG TPE shocks and vibration of the box when driving, as well as
for an anti-rattle overmolding of the battery connector the wear and tear during frequent removal for charging
and for water-tight sealing of the battery box. Key the maintenance-free battery on the electric grid at home
requirements to be met included reliable direct adhesion or at work.
to glass-filled PBT on small contact surfaces. Askoll’s portfolio of electric two-wheelers comprises
E-mobility on two wheels is on the rise particularly in several electric scooters and a range of power-assisted
urban areas where commuters often spend more time bicycles custom-designed for comfortable urban travel and
stuck in rush-hour traffic and hunting for parking space touring, including a stylish folding bike. Latest additions
than actually driving. At the same time, towns and cities include a smaller bike version for youngsters and a special
worldwide are seeking effective solutions for minimizing Urban Sports model to be introduced later this year. On
the smog and noise produced by motorized vehicles, the bikes, the battery box is conveniently mounted to the
while consumers need fresh new approaches to help front section of the head tube. On the scooter, it is located
them save on fuel and maintenance costs. For all of these in the compartment under the seat. A molded-in handle
reasons, electric bicycles and scooters are fast becoming facilitates removal, transportation and reinstallation.
a logical choice for more convenient and sustainable Thanks to the manufacturer’s vertical integration and
mobility especially wherever people need to cover shorter years of experience in electric motors, the drive units of
distances, such as on everyday trips between home the Askoll electric two-wheelers form a perfect match
and work. of brushless motors and battery packs with capacities

Electric vehicles, in turn, need innovative materials that tailored to various different driving performances and
will support their pleasantly silent travel by eliminating ranges up to 80 km (50 miles) and more. A trip computer
undesired ambient noises and – in the case of external constantly monitors the battery status, provides up to four
components such as battery boxes on two-wheelers – power levels, and automatically switches to ECO mode
ensure a weatherable and water-tight enclosure. This when the charge drops below 15 percent.
is opening attractive new application opportunities for “We have put a lot of development work in our TPE
thermoplastic elastomers (TPE). technology for sustainable and noise reducing applications
“For the anti-rattle cover of the battery connector and in e-mobility since identifying the potential and need for
the sealing of the redesigned battery box on our bikes innovative new solutions in this fast emerging market
and scooters, we were looking for a material that would segment,” says Dirk Butschkau, Product Marketing Manager
provide the right balance of gasketing, mechanical and EMEA at KRAIBURG TPE. “The battery box on Askoll’s
molding performance,” explains Paolo Trabuio, Project electric bikes and scooters demonstrates the advantages
Manager Scooter, for Askoll. “KRAIBURG TPE went a long our materials can deliver in terms of efficient molding,
way in supporting our efforts from concept to market, function and form.”
with qualified assistance in material selection, design About Askoll Group
optimization, adhesion testing and molding trials.” Askoll, with headquarters in Dueville (Vicenza, Italy), is a
Both TPE applications are injection molded in a two- leading manufacturer of highly energy-efficient electric
component process, which required excellent direct motors for household appliances, aquariums and ponds.
adhesion to the glass-filled polybutylene terephthalate Founded in 1987, the Group comprises 11 companies
(PBT) resin used for the battery box. In addition, the operating in Italy, Slovakia, Romania, Brazil, Mexico and

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65 November 2018 Plastics News