Lightweight Materials
Lightweight materials such as Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers and modern, lightweight steel are helping automakers to reduce vehicle weight, improve performance and emissions without compromising on safety.
Modern Materials unlock the Potential of Downsized Engines
December 05 by Peter ElsAt powered partial load conditions the ring pack contributes up to 25 % of the total mechanical engine friction loss, which could correspond to 4 % of fuel consumption. Therefore the challenge lies...
The future of thermoplastics in the automotive industry: Conclusion
September 19 by Will HornickSummary of our series on thermoplastics in the automotive industry The automotive industry has reached a point where it is on the verge of embracing carbon fibre reinforced plastic as one of the...
Automotive Industry: Vehicle Recycling and its impact on the environment - Part 4 of 5
August 19 by Will HornickVehicle Recycling: Energy saving By 2015 95% of the weight of end-of-life vehicles should be reused or recycled rather than going to landfill, 10% of which should be energy recovery. The thermal...
The future of thermoplastics in the automotive industry: Promising Processes - Part 4 of 5
August 14 by Will HornickResin Transfer Molding (RTM) Resin transfer molding has previously been considered a process which is for medium volume production quantities, as it bridges the gap between slower contact moldin...
The future of thermoplastics in the automotive industry: Challenges of Large Scale Production - Part 3 of 5
June 25 by Will HornickThe challenges of large scale production One of the great challenges of using CFRP in mass production is reducing the manufacturing time for individual parts. Using the example again of a Formul...
Will Polycarbonate Challenge Glass as the Dominant Glazing Material in the Auto Industry?
May 01 by Frank BuckelThis is the conclusion of a 2 part interview series with Dr. Frank Buckel of Bayer Material Sciences. Dr. Buckel is the Director of Automotive Glazing & Sustainability and is a part of the UNECE |GR...
The future of thermoplastics in the automotive industry part 2: High Performance Composites
April 17 by Will HornickHigh performance composites Thermoplastics were originally derived from structural polymer composites. Epoxy and polyester thermosetting resins were reinforced with continuous filaments or fibres...
Polycarbonate Glazing is Clearly on Its Way: look through and find out why in this 2 part series
April 12 by Frank BuckelAutomotive IQ editor Will Hornick interviewed Dr. Frank Buckel of Bayer Material Sciences. Dr. Buckel is the Director of Automotive Glazing & Sustainability and is a part of the UNECE |GRSG Informal...
The future of thermoplastics in the automotive industry: Part 1 of 5
February 19 by Will HornickThe use of thermoplastics in automotive manufacturing is not a new concept; manufacturers have made use of composites in several applications for many years. They have been used for non-load bearin...
Innovative Design in Car Interiors
December 17 by Colin PawseyThe design of automotive interiors is facing a challenging, exciting time. Consumers are demanding advanced functionality, better aesthetics, and durability from their car interiors. At the same tim...
What are the main factors influencing seat design?
November 22 by Rebecca MaschkeA discussion with J÷rg Friedrich of Car Men GmbH about the latest trends in automotive seat design regarding material selection, craftsmanship and individualization for car buyers.
