Automotive

In the 1950s, metals held an important place in automobile manufacturing. Today, automobiles have shifted to the widespread deployment of alternative lightweight materials, such as plastics. This dramatic shift can be attributed to the increased need to reduce vehicle weight in order to improve fuel economy and meet legislative and regulatory requirements.

Many types of plastics are used in thousands of different shapes and sizes of parts. You can find them in the exterior and interior components of any car. Alfa Chemistry knows that the improvement of automobile performance is inseparable from the innovative development of plastics. We have the ability to provide our customers with high-performance plastics products that drive the automotive industry forward.

Why Use Plastics in the Automotive Industry

Plastics play an important role in the automotive industry as they offer significant benefits. The main benefits are as follows:

• Weight reduction: Plastics are much lighter than traditional materials such as metal, which greatly reduces the overall weight of the car. Lighter vehicles are more fuel efficient, emit fewer greenhouse gases and offer better performance.
• Energy consumption reduction: The operational energy consumption of the vehicle is directly related to the weight, and the weight is directly related to the material. It is necessary to use lighter plastics to reduce energy consumption. Statistically, a 10% reduction in vehicle weight can improve fuel economy by 6-8%.
• Design flexibility: Plastics can be easily molded into a variety of shapes and sizes, allowing automakers to achieve advanced creativity and innovation.
• Safety: Plastics can absorb impact energy, thereby ensuring the safety of passengers in the event of a collision. For example, bumpers are usually made of high impact resistant plastics such as ABS, PC and PP, which act as a buffer in the event of an accident.
• Cost-effectiveness: Plastics are generally more affordable than metals, making them an economical choice for mass production in the automotive industry. For example, the cost of polycarbonate used in headlamps is about $ 1.5/kg, while the cost of its alternative glass is about $ 2/kg.
• Corrosion resistance: Unlike metals, plastics are not susceptible to rust or corrosion. This property is particularly useful for components exposed to harsh environmental conditions, such as fenders, wheel arches and underbody panels.
• Recyclability: Modern automotive plastics can be designed to be recyclable, which helps the industry achieve sustainable development and reduce waste. For example, the most common automotive plastics are ABS, PC, PA, and PBT. Typically, these materials retain good performance at the end of their useful life and can be recycled.

Plastic Applications for Automotive

Plastics have a variety of applications in the automotive field, including but not limited to:

• Bumpers
• Carpet fibers
• Cable insulation
• Touch screens
• Fuel tanks
• Headlight and side view mirror housing

• Doors
• Seating
• Hoods
• Mud flaps
• Fluid lines
• Internal transmission parts including gears

• Windows
• Trunk lids
• Suspension bushings
• Instrument panels
• Grilles and wheel covers

Our Plastics for the Automotive Industry

At Alfa Chemistry, we have a complete production line to mass produce the plastics you need. Our products not only meet the expectations of our customers, but also give the automotive industry new possibilities. Here are some common plastics used in the automotive industry. Please contact us immediately if you need them.

• PC
• PVC
• POM

• ABS
• PP
• PMMA

• Nylon 6
• PS
• PET

• Nylon 6/6
• HDPE

Unsure which plastic is most suitable for your industry needs?

Our experienced technical experts can help you solve your plastic selection challenges.

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