CompositesWorld

MAR 2017

CompositesWorld

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MARCH 2017 28 CompositesWorld Low-density SMCs lead the way as fiber-reinforced polymers make headway in auto components that must please the eye. ยป Class A is a qualifier for the surface finish of automotive body parts. For composites, it means that flatness, smoothness and light reflection is equivalent to that attainable with steel, and indicates the part's ability to compete with metal in paintability or as-molded cosmetics. How a part achieves Class A finish impacts body-in-white (BIW) assembly and coating processes โ€” for example, can the parts be painted in-line or must they be painted offline and attached beyond the body shop? ese differences, quantified in seconds, scrap rates and dollars, ultimately define a model's bottom line. Composites have been used in Class A automotive parts since the 1940s, but their use has seen significant swells and setbacks (see Learn More, on p. 34). Current market projections agree that car models in the foreseeable future will use multiple materials โ€” including high- strength steel, aluminum and fiber-reinforced composites โ€” to comply with regulations for reduced fuel consumption and emissions. Class A remains a requirement for car closures (e.g., fenders, hood, trunklid/decklid, roof, doors, quarter panels), and also a challenge, as OEMs seek to use composites to navigate not only lightweighting, but also global supply, modularization and demand for an increasingly multifunctional vehicle envelope. A big question is, which composite materials and process options will meet these requirements? Composites in Class A body panels: Evolution continues By Ginger Gardiner / Senior Editor

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