Foam for E-Mobility
Customized foam solutions in Rinspeed’s new MetroSnap concept car illustrate the comprehensive know-how of FoamPartner in lightweighting acoustic and thermal materials for next-generation EVs.
Wolfhausen, Switzerland – March 2, 2020 – In their new modular MetroSnap concept car, Swiss mobility think tank Rinspeed is once again relying on innovative foam technology from FoamPartner to ensure highly effective acoustic and thermal insulation.
“One of the key advantages of electric vehicles is the ability for fast acceleration and low-noise drives. But the latter places higher demands on the insulation of the passenger compartment against rolling and wind noises,” says Kay Kosar, Head of Marketing & Sales, Acoustics & Thermal Solutions (A&TS) Europe at FoamPartner. “At the same time, the power consumed by heating and air-conditioning must be minimized to ensure maximum driving ranges. In both disciplines, our advanced foam solutions are in their element.”
The design of the MetroSnap builds on the MicroSnap and other concept cars from previous years. The main components of the concept car are a ‘Skateboard’ chassis and quick-change superstructure or ‘Pods’ for passenger and cargo transportation. The fully electric, connected and autonomously moving vehicle takes advantage of state-of-the-art technology from distinguished partner companies. Its encompassing concept – including a composite/steel body, 3D printed components, lidar sensors and a drive-by-wire system – also extends to battery leasing, insurance and payment services. The interior design features cutting-edge equipment, such as a digital cockpit and aircraft seats.
“For the interior of the MetroSnap, we paid special attention to providing high aesthetics, as well as being able to offer a durable and protective feel-good environment,” emphasizes Frank M. Rinderknecht, CEO of Rinspeed AG. “FoamPartner is the perfect address for us to meet these needs. Their specialized expertise in acoustic and thermal insulation, which is already well-proven in the forerunners of MetroSnap, helps us to maximize the autonomous driving experience,” he adds.
With its business segments Acoustic & Thermal Solutions (A&TS) for acoustic and thermal insulation products and Automotive Rolls (AR) for vehicle interiors, FoamPartner specializes in high-quality low-emission and low-odor polyurethane ester and polyurethane ether foam solutions. Typical automotive interior applications include headliners and door panels, as well as large insulation and damping components, such as the dash inner encapsulation unit. The application engineers at the company’s Techcenter have extensive expertise in the field of automotive acoustics and in the development of lightweighting PUR foam systems.
“Our long-standing partnership with Rinspeed underscores our leading role as a customer-focused niche player in tailor-made foam solutions. To meet the rising demand, we will shortly commission a new Conversion Center at our Duderstadt site in Germany, which will significantly expand our supply capacities,” adds Dr. Michael Riedel, CEO at FoamPartner.
About FoamPartner Switzerland AG
FoamPartner, founded in 1937 and headquartered in Wolfhausen (Switzerland) and with 14 Centers of Competence across Europe, America and Asia-Pacific, is a global leader in foam technology. The company offers its customers a broad portfolio of best-in-class foam and other material solutions engineered to the highest standards of form, function and quality. More than 1,100 employees worldwide develop, manufacture, process and distribute custom-tailored polyurethane foam products focused on three market segments: Mobility, Specialties, and Living & Care. Visit www.foampartner.com for further information.
About Rinspeed AG
Rinspeed was founded in 1979 by Frank M. Rinderknecht and is recognized as a brilliant Swiss think tank for forward-looking mobility concepts. Starting with the import of solar roofs and the fabrication of vehicles for disabled people, the business soon advanced to various demanding design creations for renowned automotive manufacturers. Since 1990, Rinspeed has been operating with headquarters in Zumikon near Zurich and has repeatedly redefined the theme of mobility with numerous visionary concept cars, from the RINSPEED Roadster and the transformable RINSPEED Presto city speedster or the RINSPEED sQuba zeroemission submersible to the variable RINSPEED microSNAP, the latter including a robotized change station for the vehicle’s modular superstructures. Further information can be found at www.rinspeed.eu.
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