LS Mtron and Hyundai Motor Sign MOU for Advanced Eco-Friendly Plastic Parts Technology

- Focused on achieving lightweight and high-quality automotive parts with Multi-Component technology and hybrid foam molding

- Committed to applying PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) materials and resolving surface defect issues

LS Mtron Co., Ltd. (LS Mtron) and Hyundai Motor Co. (Hyundai) have entered into a partnership to co-develop advanced injection molding technology for manufacturing eco-friendly plastic components.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on October 23 at Hyundai’s Uiwang Research Center in Gyeonggi-do, and outlines plans to utilize LS Mtron’s Multi-Component technology and hybrid foam molding methods to support the mass production of lightweight automotive parts using recycled PCR materials.

Key executives, including Hyundai’s Tooling Center Director Jin-seok Choi and LS Mtron’s Injection Systems Business Division Head Chan-seong Park, attended the signing ceremony.

This MOU underscores the commitment of both companies to enhance automotive manufacturing efficiency through sustainable, forward-looking technology. Specifically, the collaboration aims to address common technical challenges in injection molding, such as sink marks on structural features caused by shrinkage and gas marks resulting from resin foaming in the molding process.

To overcome these challenges, LS Mtron plans to implement its hybrid physical foam injection molding technology, which uses physical foaming expansion to counter shrinkage while co-injection techniques reduce surface gas marks. This approach is anticipated to improve quality and achieve significant advancements in weight reduction, especially in large parts like automotive door garnishes.

The collaboration will also leverage LS Mtron’s 1300-ton injection molding machine and high-precision physical foam system to enable precise molding and lightweight production of large components. This technical advancement promises to address quality issues found in traditional processes, contributing to producing lighter, more durable automotive parts.

The hybrid physical foam injection molding technology developed by LS Mtron allows for high-pressure gas injection into plastic, creating a lightweight, porous structure. This process effectively addresses issues such as warping and shrinkage in production while simultaneously enabling high-quality mass production of lightweight parts by combining foaming and co-injection methods.

Specifically designed for large-scale production, LS Mtron’s 1300-ton injection molding machine integrates Multi-Component technology and foaming processes to ensure stable output of high-strength, lightweight parts. This development is expected to yield significant cost reductions, improve quality, and promote environmentally responsible manufacturing.

Through this MOU, LS Mtron and Hyundai aim to produce eco-friendly, high-quality automotive parts that reduce weight. Additionally, by incorporating PCR materials, they are advancing sustainable practices and contributing to improved fuel efficiency and reduced carbon emissions for Hyundai vehicles.

This MOU marks an important milestone in both companies’ pursuit of sustainable manufacturing technology for the automotive industry. LS Mtron and Hyundai are committed to ongoing innovation, working together to enhance competitiveness in the automotive parts market and to lead in environmentally friendly technological advancements.

Chan-seong Park, Executive Vice President of LS Mtron, stated, “Long term, LS Mtron and Hyundai will strengthen their collaboration to develop advanced manufacturing technologies for future plastic automotive parts, focusing on lightweight design, quality, and sustainability.” Hyundai’s Tooling Center Director Jin-seok Choi added, “This MOU will facilitate close cooperation between our companies, with a consultative body established to promote active research and development.”

The MOU between LS Mtron and Hyundai exemplifies their commitment to environmental responsibility and bolsters their position in the global automotive market as leaders in sustainable technology innovation.

■ Inquiry: LS Mtron's Molding Machine Division’s Website: www.lsinjection.com