With vehicles being 92% dependent on oil, and global reserves reducing due to the increasing demand of developing countries and vehicles contributing to almost a third of global emissions, the urge to develop more sustainable cars has become a priority. To combat this, manufacturers are keen on switching from oil-powered vehicles to electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To meet the growing demand for EVs and hydrogen-powered vehicles, composite technologies are also evolving to cater to the needs of the auto parts manufacturing industry. Auto parts manufacturers are making use of composite materials like carbon fiber, glass fiber, epoxy, or glass fiber-reinforced thermoplastic for making diverse auto parts.
Significance of Composite Materials in the Automotive Industry
The use of composites has revolutionized the auto parts manufacturing industry, as composites offer significant benefits compared to metals. The use of composites not only helps to reduce weight and corrosion issues but also offers greater design flexibility, better space efficiency, quick assembly, and enhanced vehicle performance through innovative structural designs and superior mechanical properties. Composites are significant for automotive applications; particularly honeycomb structures have an impact on safety, performance, and sustainability.
Benefits of Composites in the Auto Parts Industry
Composites are materials that are made by combining two or more distinct materials and have enhanced properties compared to the individual materials. The composites are replacing the traditional materials like steel and aluminium in the auto parts industry due to their unique properties and distinct characteristics. Some of the major benefits due to which composites are preferred in the auto parts industry include:
Fuel Efficiency – The use of composites in manufacturing auto parts considerably reduces the weight of the vehicles. The light-weight vehicles are known for consuming less fuel, which is particularly beneficial for meeting the automotive industry’s pursuit of fuel efficiency and emission standards.
Light in Weight and High in Strength – Composite material’s high strength-to-weight ratio is the key benefit using which auto parts manufacturers create light-weight vehicle parts maintaining their structural integrity. Light-weight vehicle parts considerably reduce the vehicle weight, which requires less energy to operate. This further improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions, thereby aligning with global sustainability goals.
Strength – Composite materials are known for excellent strength and stiffness. This allows auto parts manufacturers to design parts that are lightweight and can withstand high mechanical stress. This becomes significant in vehicles for ensuring safety and performance in critical areas of the vehicle.
Enhanced Safety Features – Composites having honeycomb configuration are known for better energy absorption properties. Thus auto parts made of such composites have improved impact resistance, thereby enhancing the safety standards of the vehicles.
Design Flexibility – Composites are highly flexible materials that can be easily moulded into complex shapes and can be tailored to specific requirements of the auto parts industry. This flexibility of composites allows auto parts manufacturers to optimize auto components for both function and aesthetics.
Unleashing the Potential of Composite Materials
Composite materials are at the forefront of the automotive industry revolution by contributing towards lightweight and high-performance vehicles. Auto parts manufacturers are leveraging the distinct properties of composites and making use of advanced fabrication techniques to unlock new possibilities in vehicle design and performance. Due to their unique properties, composite materials are widely used in a range of auto structural parts like body panels, chassis, and suspension systems. Composites are also used in the making of lightweight and high-performance brake systems. Brake pads and rotors made of composites offer superior wear resistance, thermal stability, and noise reduction compared to traditional materials like steel and aluminium. The composite’s use enhances the vehicle’s braking performance as well as extends the service life of the components.
Composites are not only used for making the exterior of the vehicles but are also revolutionizing the interior design of the vehicles. This lightweight material is used in door panels, seat structures, and dashboard components that also lead to overall weight reduction of the vehicle while improving the vehicle’s aesthetics and functionality. Composites with moulding ability are used for creating complex shapes of the vehicle interior parts that can be integrated with features like acoustic insulation, built-in sensors, and heating elements. This lightweight and advanced material is also finding application in transmission systems, engine parts, and exhaust components. The use of ceramic matrix composites that are known for high thermal and chemical resistance makes them ideal for high-temperature applications like exhaust manifolds and turbocharger housings.
The composite use in the exterior and interior of the vehicles results in weight reduction, improves performance, and enhances the overall efficiency. The traditional metal parts are getting replaced with composite auto parts that reduce the vehicle’s weight without compromising strength or stiffness. This results in improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and enhanced vehicle dynamics.
End Note
Composites are increasingly becoming popular in the auto parts manufacturing industry, as this material is making a huge contribution in catering to the requirements of auto parts manufacturers. The automotive industry is focusing on producing light-weight and fuel-efficient vehicles to meet environmental and sustainability goals. Over the years, composites have emerged as a promising alternative to metal due to their light-weight, thermal resistance, and higher stiffness properties.
