All Composites articles – Page 3
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ArticleNew lightweight EV architecture for McLaren
The supercar manufacturer has introduced an all-new, flexible, lightweight vehicle architecture which will underpin its next generation of electrified supercars
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ArticleComposite case study: curved rear bumper beam of the Corvette Stingray
Performance vehicle structures have long made extensive use of composite materials and the new generation of GM’s flagship sportscar, the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, continues the push. A key composite component of the new Corvette Stingray is a curved carbon fibre rear bumper beam, created through a bespoke application of radius pultrusion…
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ArticleBloodhound’s additive challenge
Advances in additive manufacturing are being put to the most stringent of tests as the Bloodhound Land Speed Record project makes its first high-speed runs. Chris Pickering speaks to the engineers behind the project and the contribution made by 3D-printed components, one of the key production technologies helping to make the attempt possible
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ArticleCreating strong bonds
While mixed-material vehicle body structures yield impressive weight reduction results, the joining processes present a challenge for OEMs. How do they fix the myriad materials but still maintain the requisite properties and structural integrity?
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ArticleForm and function
Developments in composite parts are continuing to offer the automotive industry a variety of weight and cost advantages in high-volume production
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ArticleStricter EU CO2 regulations will reshape vehicle platforms and car design
As OEMs try to reduce CO2 and transition to electric vehicles in the face of the high fines, we expect a profound impact on vehicle design.
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ArticleCarbon composite footprint
EV development has made lightweighting vehicle structures a priority. James Bakewell reports on the increased role for carbon fibre-reinforced plastics
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ArticleConference: Insight @ BMW
For its latest North American car body engineering Insight conference, the Automotive Circle heads to upstate South Carolina – a region that’s home to the largest plant in the BMW manufacturing network…
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ArticleStrong bonds
James Bakewell looks at the challenges of joining new grades of advanced and ultra-high strength steels in the latest multi-material vehicle structures
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ArticleShow and tell
Cost savings and reduced installation time are the result of Profil’s self-piercing stud, as visitors discovered at the NEAA Expo 2018A new earthing stud is allowing automotive global OEMs to achieve the triple benefits of reduced installation time and cost, guaranteed electrical earthing and a substantial reduction in parts count: ...
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ArticleCool paint for hot cars
Ferrari is renowned for the high quality paint finish on its supercars. So creating a workable paint formulation that would cure at much lower temperatures without compromising these exacting standard would be a challenge. PPG’s Technical director, William Brunat, discusses the project with Nick Holt The project with Ferrari was ...
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ArticleA focus on fibres
Lightweight, high-strength benefits are being offset by materials and process costs. James Bakewell looks at the challenges of making carbon fibre cost effective Used for the first time in earnest by Volvo, carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) will feature in the £135,000 ($176,400) Polestar 1’s bonnet, boot lid, side panels, doors ...
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ArticleSticking together
The use of a wide variety of materials throws-up significant production challenges and chief among those is joining. How can this plethora of materials be fixed together without affecting their structural integrity or their individual characteristics? The automotive industry is mostly set-up for resistance spot welding (RSW). This method has ...
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ArticlePower from plastics
James Bakewell speaks to thermoset plastics specialists Pieter Vanderstraeten and Hendrik De Keyser about the increasing scope for composite powertrain components While the use of advanced composites in structural applications has hogged the limelight in recent years, these lightweight materials also have many advantages for the manufacture of components for ...
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ArticleGrid reference
Mike Farish visits Williams Advanced Engineering to see how the company delivers a distinctive F1 take on an innovative electric vehicle platformOne of the implications of the growth of the market for electric vehicles is the opportunity it provides for newcomers possibly to become major players in the automotive industry ...
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Article3D focus-variation measuring instrument
Said to be suited to production measurement, the µCMM 3D focus-variation system offers users the advantages of tactile coordinate measuring technology with optical surface measurement to measure dimensions, position, shape and surface finish of components with the one optical sensor, claims Alicona.The company says it provides the ability to measure ...
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Guiding lights for a smarter paintshop
System experts at Dürr have developed a digital maintenance assistant designed to keep automotive paintshops in full effect With its digital@Dürr concept, Dürr is delivering an important smart factory module. In future, the company will be supporting customers in maintaining painting and sealing robots using a digital maintenance assistant. With ...
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ArticleCSP invests in sheet molding
France - Continental Structural Plastics (CSP) has announced that it will install a new sheet molding compound (SMC) line at its facility in Pouance. Costing a total of €5.1m (US$6m), the line will allow the supplier to expand its range of advanced composite products made with both glass and carbon ...
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ArticleThe problem with plastic
With automotive manufacturers looking at ever increasing levels of plastic-based materials content, Steed Webzell examines the challenges for machine shops Recent research suggests that by 2020 the average car will incorporate 350kg of plastic-based materials. As a result, the need for efficient and economic machining methods for plastics has ...
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ArticleCollective thinking
Closer collaboration between product development and production teams could lead to significant improvements in vehicle manufacturing processes. Ford Otosan holds a unique position. Michael Nash reports The scenery in Turkey is full of surprises. A quick car journey can lead to towering mountains, pristine beaches and lush forests, while historical ...