Plastic has played a very important role in the recovery of the automotive industry in difficult economic times. New technology in plastic materials has opened new doors in safety, comfort and made significant energy savings. The innovation in plastic and plastic composite has driven a revolution within the automotive industry, allowing automotive designers and engineers to push the boundaries with the ability to produce concepts cost effectively. Plastic delivers superior value to customers and also increases safety and is better for the environment.
Plastic is:
- Cost Effective
- Lightweight
- Strong
- Durable
- Heat Resistant
- Corrosion Resistant
- Resistant to Harsh Environments and Chemicals
- Thermally and Electrically Insulating
- Thermally and Electrically Conductive
- Can be Transparent, Translucent or Opaque.
- Can be Soft, Flexible or Hard.
- Can be moulded into any shape.
- Recyclable
With a push for engineers to create more fuel-efficient cars, having a lighter car helps significantly. Motorists are demanding high performance cars, whilst being economical, safe and comfortable and well-priced. It has been found that every 10% of weight reduction of a vehicle results in 5% to 7% fuel reduction, plastic is facilitating this saving. Over the average lifespan of a vehicle every 100kg of plastics will reduce fuel consumption of the vehicle by 750 litres.
There are many different plastic types of plastic that play an important role in the automotive industry. Plastics are used in air bags, seats, seat covers, insulation, electrics, under bonnet applications. The use of plastics also provides many aesthetic benefits both in the shapes and colours available. In a single vehicle, numerous plastic types can be used, 3 of the most common plastic types are Polypropylene, Polyurethane and PVC and these make up two thirds of the vehicle.
Contact the plastic extrusion experts
Contact us on 01254 886662 to arrange a meeting with our friendly sales staff or to discuss all your plastic extrusion related enquiries.
Contact UsPolypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer used in a wide variety of applications. A saturated addition polymer made from the monomer propylene, it is rugged and unusually resistant to many chemical solvents, bases and acids. Polypropylene is used in automotive bumpers and wheel covers, but is also used in chemical tanks, cable insulation and in carpet fibres.
Our sister company Aquarius Manufacturing Ltd has positioned itself as a market leader in the 4×4 wheel cover market. Aquarius Manufacturing supplies thermoformed polypropylene spare wheel covers to the majority of 4 x 4 car dealers in the UK and many horse box manufacturers including the market leader Ifor Williams Trailers.
Other common plastic types used in the automotive industry are High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS).
High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)
Polystyrene was discovered by Eduard Simon a German apothecary in 1839. Naturally clear, polystyrene exhibits excellent chemical and electrical resistance.
High Impact Polystyrene, it is a tough, rigid plastic material with high impact strength which can be vacuum formed, thermoformed, guillotined, punched, routered or sawn easily, and is readily available in a wide variety of colours.
High Impact Polystyrene is commonly used in automotive instrument panels and fittings and petrol tanks.
ABS
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene is a copolymer made by polymerizing styrene and acrylonitrile in the presence of polybutadiene. The styrene gives the plastic a shiny, impervious surface. The butadiene, a rubbery substance, provides resilience even at low temperatures. A variety of modifications can be made to improve impact resistance, toughness, and heat resistance.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene is used in automotive body parts, dashboards and wheel covers.
Plastic extruders Euro Extrusions Ltd has become a major force in supplying thermoplastic sheet and film. Euro Extrusions specialises in High Impact Polystyrene (HIPs) which is ideal for vacuum forming car parts and used in the automotive industry from door trims to fascia panels.
Euro Extrusions has a wealth of knowledge and experience in manufacturing extruded thermoplastic sheet and film for thermoforming, vacuum forming, fabrication and printing.
Euro Extrusions make High Impact Polystyrene not just for the automotive industry, point of sale display manufacturing and horticultural products and also for the food and catering industry, HIPs is even FDA approved.
Euro Extrusions can also use recycled materials to produce HIPs rolls or sheet, which can significantly reduce costs, and is good to the environment.
Euro Extrusions has gained a loyal customer following due to its strong customer service ethos, market knowledge and prediction of trends. Euro Extrusions is able to adapt its current manufacturing methods and techniques to accommodate the ever changing demands of its customers.
To discuss your requirements regarding the supply of High Impact Polystyrene, Polypropylene and ABS, contact us here.
