Automotive Channel

While carbon fiber and nanomaterials tend to gain all the hype, other advanced structural materials such as magnesium and advanced high-strength steel (AHSS) will have a greater impact on efficient energy usage in the transportation sector, according to a recent report by Lux Research (Boston, MA).

AGY has increased production of its S-2 glass fiber reinforcements by 20%, with the capability to further increase output as market demands dictate. An AGY spokesperson told PlasticsToday that the amount the Aiken, SC based company has invested is confidential, and that while there will be some job creation as a result of the capacity increase, the exact number has not been determined.

With intake manifolds made of polypropylene (PP), Röchling Automotive (Mannheim, Germany) says it has set new benchmarks in terms of cost, weight, and acoustics. These three criteria have been improved due to the lower density of polypropylene (PP) compared with polyamide (PA), the material currently most widely used for intake manifolds.

* Underhood
* Body & exterior
* Chassis
* Electrical/electronics
* Fuel systems
* Powertrain