Thermoplastic Extrusion for the Automotive Industry
Performance, ESD protection and lightweighting for Tier-1, Tier-2 and OEMs.
The Critical Role of Thermoforming in Modern Automotive
At CANDEA Plastics we design and extrude high-performance thermoplastic sheets and rolls specifically optimized for the automotive supply chain (Tier-1, Tier-2 and OEMs).
We understand that today's mobility, from internal combustion vehicles to the newest EV and HEV platforms, demands materials that go far beyond aesthetics. Our polymers deliver critical safety, lightweighting and regulatory compliance.
- Lightweighting: Drastic weight reduction versus metal and traditional composites, critical for extending EV range.
- Cost Efficiency: Lower tooling investment for niche series or custom programs.
- Design Freedom: Complex geometries, deep textures and in-mold finishes without cycle-time penalties.
Technical Challenges: Materials that Solve Real Problems
Electrostatic (ESD) Management for Sensitive Electronics
With the rise of ADAS, LiDAR and BMS systems, static control is vital; a single discharge can destroy expensive modules.
- Our Solution: Permanent conductive and dissipative compounds with controlled surface resistance in the range of 10³ to 10⁹ Ω/sq.
- Benefit: Homogeneous conductivity even after deep draw, preventing insulating hot spots.
Thermal and Dimensional Stability
Under-hood parts or components near HV batteries face aggressive thermal cycles that can cause deformation and loss of critical dimensional tolerances, compromising final assembly integrity.
- Our Solution: Modified polymers with elevated HDT and Vicat values.
- Benefit: Stable dimensional tolerances that guarantee perfect assemblies.
Chemical Resistance to Automotive Fluids
We validate Environmental Stress Cracking (ESCR) against the main fluids found in production lines and service environments, ensuring superior chemical resistance and long-term durability.
- Our Solution: Formulations resistant to automotive fluids including coolants and brake fluids, synthetic oils and greases, fuels and additives, and harsh detergents and cleaning agents.
- Benefit: We guarantee structural and functional integrity throughout the component's service life, even in environments with continuous exposure to corrosive fluids.
Technical Material Catalog for Automotive
We develop tailor-made compounds that respond to each specification sheet and OEM approval.
| Material Family | Key Properties | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Conductive ABS ESD | Stiffness, impact resistance, 10^4-10^6 ohm/sq protection. | ECU housings, ADAS modules, PCBA handling trays. |
| PP ESD (Polypropylene) | Superior chemical resistance, low density, tough to crack. | EV battery trays, logistics totes, under-hood components. |
| High-Heat Polymers | High HDT, resistance to thermal ageing. | Engine covers, thermal management shields, HVAC ducts. |
| UV Stabilized Blends | Resistance to photodegradation and yellowing (Xenon/QUV). | Exterior trims, wheel-arch liners, specialty fairings. |
| Premium Finishes | Metallic aesthetics, piano black, soft-touch feel. | Interior panels, center consoles, decorative trims. |
CANDEA Materials for this sector
ABS ESD Conductivo CA-447
CA-447
Compuesto de acrilonitrilo-butadieno-estireno (ABS) con protección ESD permanente en el rango disipativo. Combina alta resistencia al impacto con excelente estabilidad dimensional y un amplio rango de temperatura, lo que lo hace ideal para la fabricación electrónica y para entornos industriales exigentes, y permite fabricar en cualquier color.
View all materialsABS ESD Disipativo CA-586
CA-586
Compuesto ABS con protección ESD extendida que cubre rangos conductivo y disipativo. Su amplio espectro de resistividad de 10³ a 10⁸ Ω/sq ofrece blindaje electrostático versátil para ensamblaje, pruebas y packaging electrónico.
View all materialsHIPS ESD Conductivo CA-140
CA-140
Poliestireno de alto impacto (HIPS) con protección ESD conductiva. Una solución de referencia para packaging electrónico, que combina excelente termoformabilidad y resistividad consistente con la rigidez y resistencia al impacto necesarias para líneas de manipulación automatizada.
View all materialsHIPS ESD Conductivo CA-142
CA-142
Poliestireno de alto impacto (HIPS) con protección ESD conductiva y equilibrio mecánico mejorado. Ofrece módulo de flexión y estabilidad térmica superiores a los grados HIPS estándar, siendo la elección para bandejas de precisión y packaging de transporte reutilizable.
View all materialsPET ESD CA-1003
CA-1003
Material PET ESD para termoformado y electrónica, diseñado para proteger dispositivos frente a fenómenos de electricidad estática. Combina propiedades conductivas y disipativas, buenas prestaciones mecánicas y resistencia química, con contenido 100% reciclado, certificado según GRS 4.0, y disponible en transparente o en cualquier color.
View all materialsPET ESD Conductivo CA-1004
CA-1004
Tereftalato de polietileno (PET) con protección ESD conductiva y alto módulo de flexión. Ofrece estabilidad dimensional de precisión y resistencia mecánica para aplicaciones electrónicas exigentes donde tolerancias estrictas y resistencia térmica son esenciales.
View all materialsTPE-H-ABS ESD Soft-Touch CA-572
CA-572
Mezcla de elastómero termoplástico y ABS con protección ESD conductiva y superficie soft-touch distintiva. Combina una calidad táctil similar a la del caucho con la resistencia al impacto del ABS, uniendo confort ergonómico y seguridad electrostática.
View all materialsTPE-H/HIPS SOFT CA-391
CA-391
Material multilaminar con base de poliestireno de alto impacto (HIPS) y acabado soft-touch a una cara, diseñado para el termoformado de envases y embalaje de piezas delicadas. Pensado para proteger superficies susceptibles a daño, erosión o rayado.
View all materialsApplications Across the Value Chain
From in-line protection to final parts in the end product.
Electric Mobility (EV / HEV)
Battery module trays and housings require materials that avoid sparks or static build-up, while being chemically inert to potential electrolyte leaks. Our PP ESD is the standard for these applications.
- Battery Management System (BMS) housings.
- High-voltage cable shields.
- Charge-port covers.
Interior & Comfort (Cockpit)
Interior solutions that combine premium aesthetics with functionality. Dashboard components with automotive-grain textures and parts with carbon fiber or brushed aluminum finish, offering the desired look without the cost or weight of the real material.
- Dashboard components and center consoles.
- Door panels and trunk organizers.
- Piano-black or soft-touch finished parts.
Exterior & Structural
Materials designed to withstand the most demanding exterior vehicle conditions. Solutions resistant to impact, UV radiation and abrasion, ensuring durability and performance in the most exposed areas of the vehicle.
- Wheel-arch liners and fenders.
- Housings for exterior sensors and cameras.
- Air deflectors and aerodynamic components.
Why choose CANDEA Plastics as your strategic partner?
Beyond plastic extrusion, we are your partner in innovation and material development.
We are not just a granule or sheet supplier; we are our clients' materials department.
Regulatory compliance: materials meet REACH/RoHS and the specification books of VW Group, Stellantis, Renault, etc.
Total traceability: lot control from raw material to the final roll.
Agile development: counter-types, color matching and prototype samples on short lead times.
Format flexibility: roll-fed or sheet-fed supply on demand.
Ready to take your project to the next level?
Contact our experts to meet your technical and regulatory requirements.