Why is STS the preferred system supplier?
STS is a reliable and solution-oriented partner for the automotive industry, right from the initial idea through to series production. The Group has extensive know-how in materials, processes, design and manufacture of systems and components for vehicles. Our high vertical integration and ability to combine technologies means we can offer a complete service and system to the customer. Our global footprint allows a close local cooperation with OEMs and easy delivery to the local plants.
Automotive systems and components are constantly changing. Systems are increasingly complex and pace of development is faster than ever before. In this challenging environment STS recognises the importance of creating innovative and unique solutions. We are also in constant and close exchange with the industry. In our R&D centres in Europe and China our know how and experience is the source to create innovative and competitive solutions.
High vertical integration gives STS Group the edge when it comes to research and development. Designing and making the semi-finished material as well as the final system puts STS firmly in the driving seat when creating new and innovative solutions.
Successful projects need a quick design process and STS has a long experience in designing and engineering a broad variety of systems and components with several levels of function integration such as thermal and aesthetic.
Our combined competencies in concept, material application, and advanced processes know-how enable quick and reliable development processes. These are supported by modern computer tools for simulation, analytics and geometry.
Material creates basic capabilities of the final product. STS has a high vertical integration and controls the process from the manufacturing of the semi-finished material right up until manufacture of the final product. For components or systems different materials can be combined. Controlling the whole process enables STS to be fast and specific in the design of new solutions.
Composites (SMC, AMC, BMC)
Weight becomes increasingly important for modern vehicle components. But weight has to be combined as well with premium shape, surface and resistance to heat. STS’ components based on composite materials convince with light weight, class A surface, superior mechanical properties and high resistance to heat and chemicals.
We make the semi-finished product SMC (sheet molded compound) from a thermoset matrix combined with glass fibre.The recipies that define the properties are developed by STS.
Injection moulding
STS has longstanding experience in making advanced components from thermoplastics through injection moulding. The components convince with light weight, excellent class A surface, superior mechanical properties and with high resistance to thermal and chemicals.
Forming, assembly, painting: STS offers one-hand-solutions for manufacturing customers can count on. This implies quick reactions to new challenges, the development of benchmark solutions, and the delivery of superior quality components. Customers benefit from this reliability and availability.
Forming
STS can demonstrate unique skills in thermoforming and thermocompression processes. In the thermoforming process the semi-finished material is put into a heated mould and once the mould is closed the material forms the required part. Finally the part is cooled down to harden the material. During the thermocompression process the SMC is put into a heated mould and compressed with high pressure into the whole cavity. After a short baking period the part is removed.
Assembly
Transparent and fully controllable processes are basic for effective manufacturing. The STS approach allows a check of the function of the specific system before it is built into the vehicle. STS facilitates the assembling of systems with more than one hundred components.
Painting
Particularly for exterior parts, painting is an important step when making bespoke products. Both injection moulded and composite parts can be produced in class A surface quality. Our painting facilities are highly automated and here mainly exterior trim components are painted in more than hundreds of colours.