Inteva and A. Schulman Offer Invision® SLX Thermoplastic Elastomers

TROY, Mich., Oct. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Inteva Products, LLC and A. Shulman, Inc. offer patented Invision® SLX technology, combining thermoplastic strength and elastomeric resilience, reducing cost and weight. These unique Slush Cast TPE formulations offer modern material advantages that include cost savings up to 50 percent as compared to non-PVC alternatives, mass reductions from 20 – 45 percent, and reductions in odor, cabin fogging, color fading, surface inconsistencies, and squeak and rattle.

"Inteva is excited about the benefits Invision® SLX will provide our customers and we are eager to provide its advantages in future products," said Ken Gassman, Engineering Group manager. "We are confident that our patented Invision® SLX will exceed customer requirements in cost, weight, durability, and performance."

The power of Inteva and A. Schulman offers experience, expertise, and total technical support needed for using Invision® SLX effectively in a range of interior systems and components in land, marine, commercial, recreational equipment, and automotive. Invision® SLX targeted applications include:

• Instrument panels
• Consoles
• Glove boxes
• Door panels
• Knee bolsters
• Interior trim
• Air bag doors

For decades, the automotive industry has produced instrument and door panels through the process of slush-molding. Originally developed for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) based materials, slush-molding produces skins that conform to tight angles and rich detail for vehicle interior surfaces. Recently, shortfalls in PVC performance have led to a high demand for non-PVC slush-moldable materials. In response to this need for higher quality, safety and flexibility, as well as automakers' increased focus on the interior, Inteva has worked more than four years to develop leading alternative materials in this family of TPE blends.  

About Inteva Products, LLC

Inteva Products, LLC has more than 90 years of experience and expertise, empowering some of the best minds in the industry with global resources supported by a team at 18 facilities on three continents. Inteva designs, engineers, manufactures, and assembles Interior Systems, Cockpits, Latch and Closure Systems, Door Module and Window Lift Systems, and Advanced Materials for leading OEMs around the globe. Inteva's integration capabilities provide everything from component parts to fully integrated vehicle subsystems. Inteva is committed to execute to the highest level possible for all customers to create solutions that meet quality and technical specifications while remaining on time and on budget. For more information visit www.intevaproducts.com.

Insight. Inside. Inteva.

About A. Shulman, Inc.

Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, A. Schulman is a leading international supplier of high-performance plastic compounds and resins. These materials are used in a variety of consumer, industrial, automotive and packaging applications. The Company employs about 2,900 people and has 37 manufacturing facilities in North America, South America, Europe and Asia. On April 30, 2010, the Company completed its acquisition of ICO, Inc., a global manufacturer of specialty resins and concentrates for rotomolding and a provider of specialty polymer services. A. Schulman reported revenues of $1.3 billion for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009, and ICO reported revenues of $300 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. Additional information about A. Schulman can be found at www.aschulman.com.

SOURCE Inteva Products, LLC