OTS - Röchling Automotive increasingly focuses on lightweight structural design with fiber plastic composites
2021. October 12. 10:00
Worms, Germany, 12 October, 2021 (APA/OTS) - Lightweight design and
alternative drives go hand in hand - Structural lightweight design
complements existing product portfolio
Lightweight structural engineering based on fiber-reinforced
plastics is replacing heavy metal solutions in body-in-white and
battery applications. In addition, the technology offers
significantly better design and integration options. These
lightweight designs particularly support the strengths of
alternative drive systems. Röchling Automotive is intensifying
research and development in this area. Several product segments
benefit from this - for example, load-bearing tubs and troughs,
battery covers and underride guards, as well as a variety of
structural components.
Engineering plastics serve as the basis for lightweight
solutions. Röchling's high-performance plastics are combined with
other materials as required. Multi-material design produces
components that are superior to classic solutions. Peter Dill,
Director Product Portfolio Global, summarizes the advantages: "In
lightweight structural design, plastics are the basis for
tailor-made modification of material properties. This opens up
numerous possible applications. The lower weight and the
possibility of integration offer a welcome opportunity to reduce
costs."
Dill explains this using the example of Röchling Automotive's
front-end carrier: "Through functional integrations, we reduce the
quantity of individual parts. We can directly integrate and install
lamps, sensors and active grille shutters at factory. This makes
handling easier and minimizes production costs." The lower weight
of the components extends the range of electrically powered
vehicles and reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, Dill added.
In addition, Röchling Automotive is conducting intensive
research on further increasing strength and stiffness through
continuous fiber reinforcement. In so-called tape technology,
additional reinforcing elements are inserted into the components
along the load paths. These "tapes" consist of extremely thin, very
long glass or carbon fibers embedded in a plastic matrix. The
associated local reinforcement ensures optimum use of the material.
The material can be subjected to high mechanical stresses. At the
same time, the cost of tape technology is comparatively low.
For Tobias Eisele, Vice President Sales & Marketing Global, the
development of structural lightweight competencies at Röchling
Automotive is a logical step: "We have already shown in various
projects what is possible with lightweight design today and the
importance of structural lightweighting will continue to grow. By
expanding our expertise in this area, we are focusing on a
technology of the future."
You can find more information at
https://www.roechling.com/automotive/products-solutions/structural-lightweight
- Picture is available at AP Images (http://www.apimages.com) -
The Röchling Group has been shaping industry. Worldwide. For
nearly 200 years. We transform the lives of people every day with
our customized plastics: they reduce the weight of cars, make
medication packaging more secure and improve industrial
applications. Our workforce of around 11,100 people is located in
the places where our customers are - in 90 locations in 25
countries. The Group's three divisions generated joint annual sales
of 2.039 billion euro in 2020.
The Industrial division is the expert for optimal materials for
every use. We develop and supply individual products made of
plastic for all industrial areas. This is why we have the broadest
product range of thermoplastics and composite materials. We supply
our customers with semi-finished products or machined components.
The Automotive division advances mobility. Our product
solutions in the areas of aerodynamics, propulsion and structural
lightweight help solve major challenges. We protect the environment
while also improving the driving experience.
The Medical division develops innovative, reliable, customized
products, services, and platform solutions for the healthcare
industry. As a reliable partner, we help our customers achieve
pioneering results in disease prevention and health restoration
worldwide.
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