Automotive Applications for Engineering and High Performance Plastics

5 Automotive Applications for Engineering and High Performance Plastics 

In 2002, the automotive industry consumed 2,851,000 tonnes of engineering and high performance plastics. Automotive demand was growing at between 7-8% per anmun during the three years to 2000. However, consiunption fell sharply in 2001 due to the downturn in world economic activity. There was a steady recovery in demand last year, but total consiunption remains below 2000 levels. 

Various polymers are used in over 1,000 different parts of all shapes and sizes, from instrument panels and interior trim to bumpers and radiator grilles, fuel tanks and engine parts. The material selection for a particular application will depend primarily on the ability to meet the required specification and also on polymer price and total systems cost. The total systems cost includes the cost of the polymer, processing cost and tooling and assembly cost, and is a prime consideration for cost-conscious car manufacturers. 

Future trends in the use of plastics for automotive applications will be influenced by a number of important factors. Cost and weight reduction will remain an important driver for the motor manufacturers, which will favour plastic instead of metal. Environmental considerations will play an increasingly important role in terms of emission standards and the need to increase plastics recycling from end-of-life vehicles. Finally, there will be increasing demand for higher quality materials and greater use of safety and comfort features in the average car. 

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