Plastic in Automotive Applications

Throughout the development of transportation, manufacturers have experimented with a wide range of materials, including steel, aluminium, magnesium, rubber, glass, lead, copper, fibreglass, titanium, and plastic. Out of all of the experimented materials, plastic has become the most commonly used material for vehicle production and makes up a third of most vehicles; it can help keep the infrastructure of the vehicle safe, lightweight, and comfortable for passengers, and also allows vehicles to be appealing to the buyer.

Plastic Materials used in Automotive Manufacturing

There are many materials that are carefully chosen for automotive manufacturing to create durable, fuel-efficient vehicles. These materials include:

Polypropylene – This is the most common plastic used in vehicles; it is a highly durable polymer that can be used for nearly all elements of vehicles.

Polyurethane – This can take on both soft and hard forms and is resistant to solvents, radiation, and environmental wear.

Polyvinyl Chloride – This makes up around 16% of all plastic in a modern vehicle. It is flexible, heat resistant, has low lead content, and can take on hard or soft forms, so is suited for a wide range of auto parts

ABS – Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene is a polymer of styrene and acrylonitrile. It has a shiny, tough exterior, high durability, and heat resistance and is most typically used for manufacturing dashboards and wheel covers.

Polyethylene – This material has high-impact resilience, low density, and durability and is most commonly used for applications requiring a waterproof material, such as car bodies and electrical insulation.

Polycarbonate – Polycarbonate is a rigid and durable material, as well as heat and weathering resistant, and is used for the manufacturing of car bumpers.

Nylon 6/6 – This material has high wear resistance and can be used to make parts via moulding and extrusion processes. It has high strength, low cost, and stability and is used to create weatherproof coatings.

Polyoxymethylene – Polyoxymethylene is used to fabricate interior and exterior trims, fuel system parts, and small gears due to its high rigidness, cold resistance, chemical resistance, and fuel resistance.

 

Here at Rayda, we create bespoke plastic products. If you want any more information about plastic production and the process we have, contact our team today, and we will be happy to help.