Issue 8/2019 - Thermoplastic composites replace automotive metal components

Recently, TSE announced the launch of an innovative lightweight plastic ABS LGF composite material to replace metal materials
in automotive semi-structural parts.
The new ABS LGF is dimensionally stable and extremely stiff, making it an ideal lightweight alternative to
the manufacture of semi-structural parts.
Compared with magnesium or aluminum metal materials, weight reduction of 30% can be achieved; It also has low volatility and low odor characteristics, and can shorten the production cycle
.
The material's performance has already been proven
after being used as an alternative to magnesium in the instrument panel in the new BMW 3 Series.

Norwin van Riel, Head of Technology at Trinseio, said: "Automakers are increasingly looking to their vehicles to lose weight while maintaining stability
.
We have developed thermoplastic composites that combine high stiffness and high dimensional stability over a wide temperature range to help achieve lightweight designs
compared to aluminum and magnesium.
IN
ADDITION, SABIC RECENTLY SHOWCASED^UDMAXTM UNIDIRECTIONAL CONTINUOUS FIBER-REINFORCED THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITE STRIP PRODUCTS FOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
AT JEC WORLD 2019.

Thanks to SABIC's proprietary high-pressure fiber impregnation technology (^HPFITTM), the material offers excellent lightweight and high strength for a wide range of production processes
, including automatic and manual lamination, compression molding, thermoplastic molding, injection molding or non-injection molding 。 Used in light commercial vehicle inner bulkheads, the material is 35% lighter than conventional metallized components, helping to achieve better fuel efficiency, lower exhaust emissions, allowing for larger payloads while simplifying the assembly process
.

Gino Francato, Global Business Manager Advanced Composites at SABIC, said, "SABIC has been at the forefront of the thermoplastic composites industry and is committed to implementing a globally integrated development strategy
.
The launch of advanced UDMAXTM thermoplastic composite strip products will play an important role
.
We are confident that as we continue to advance our growth strategy, SABIC will achieve significant results in diversifying its thermoplastic composites application areas to ensure that customers get more from
them.
" ”