CTS Automotive applications

The range of products developed by the engineers at CTS satisfy the needs of the largest equipment suppliers and construction companies worldwide and are developed in accordance with the advice of industry experts.

'Tefabloc® â ' thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), developed and produced by CTS, are renowned for their unique feel, appearance and ease of use and are used in a variety of applications inside and outside the cockpit as well as for airtight/watertight window and door seals.

Insulating seals are a market in which Tefabloc® TPEs have experienced huge growth, replacing EPDM as the most widely used solution. The reasons for this increase are twofold: compared to traditional EPDM, styrenic copolymer bloc based thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) have increased UV stability and insulating seals such as, belt lines, glass runs and moulded corners offer a reduction in weight of up to 30%. As a worldwide market leader, Tefabloc® TPEs preserve the appearance of the vehicle thanks to reduced wear and tear, as well as reducing CO2 emissions.

For airbag covers, Tefabloc® TPEs are highly regarded for their physical engineering properties thanks to unprecedented versatility and production quality. Tefabloc® products are therefore the European market leader and fifth in the worldwide market. Beside airbag covers, CTS ranges are present everywhere inside automotive where comfort and perceived quality are key features.

An extensive range of automotive solutions is available for wire and cable, ranging from class 1 (85°C) to class 3 (125°C).
The different technologies offered, TPE (Tefabloc®), TPE-O (HIFAX compound products licensed by Lyondellbasell) and PVC (Marvylex®), are made in accordance with directive 2000/53 EC restricting the use of heavy metals.

CTS is conducting specific research for the preservation of the environment and has demonstrated great determination in its contribution to the different programmes and initiatives within this field, notably to directive 2000/53 EC "End of Life Vehicle". Tessenderlo Group itself is also a member of Vinyl 2010, the voluntary commitment of the PVC industry to sustainable development and eco-efficiency.
The unique opportunities that the group offers to the automotive industry are reflected in our position as the no.1 European producer of TPE-S for airbag covers, sealing systems and PVC powder for the production of slush moulding dash board facings.

CTS - Thermoplastiques Cousin-Tessier: ISO TS 16 949 certified

Read more on CTS Automotive Compounds...

Glossary:
TPE: Thermoplastic Elastomer
TPE-S: Thermoplastic Elastomer based on styrenic copolymer blocs
TPE-O (TPO): Thermoplastic Elastomer based on olefins
PVC: Polyvinyl chloride