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BMW M3 adopts composite underbody shields
Applications news
BMW M3 adopts composite underbody shields
SymaLITE thermoplastic composite has been specified by Takeo GmbH Automotive Systems for the underbody shields of the new BMW.
UNDERBODY SHIELDS for the new BMW M3 will be made from SymaLITE® thermoplastic composite supplied by Quadrant Plastic Composites. The material has been specified by Tier One supplier Takeo GmbH Automotive Systems, Dietfurt, Germany, for these lightweight panels which cover almost the entire underside of the car, offering optimised aerodynamics, corrosion resistance and fuel efficiency. SymaLITE composite is based on polypropylene (PP) and specially orientated glass fibres. The pre-orientated fibres allow good loft behaviour during the heating and moulding process, giving expansion
of up to six times its original thickness and achieving densities of only 0.3 g/cm3, while increasing bending stiffness in the z-direction. The BMW application includes engine shield and gear box shield, parts to which the composite brings weight savings, improved acoustical performance, better aerodynamics, corrosion resistance and safety due to the material’s high resistance to crack propagation and deformation. “SymaLITE technology allows for physical and mechanical properties to match the demands of the part by varying the mix of PP and glass fibres," says Karl-Heinz
Kalmbach, Leader Business Line Exterior and Structures, Quadrant. "This offers a new level of design and processing flexibility. For example, it accommodates flat part design without the corrugations usual to parts moulded in GMT [glass mat thermoplastics] and LFT [long fibre thermoplastics], thereby giving better aerodynamics and acoustics damping characteristics.” Quadrant works closely with Takeo, providing design support, tool development, and developing new material grades. Quadrant Plastic Composites; www.quadrantcomposites.com
Diamond to manufacture D-JET DIAMOND Aircraft has received a $19.6 million repayable investment from the Government of Canada for research and development of its D-JET personal light aircraft. The company will manufacture the all-composite, five-seater aircraft at its London, Ontario, facility. “This investment will play a vital role in enabling our company to complete the final development, flight testing and certification of the D-JET, and to complete our transition to production,” says Peter Maurer, President of Diamond Aircraft Industries. Diamond Aircraft; www.diamondair.com March 2008
REINFORCEDplastics
9
BMW M3 adopts composite underbody shields
SymaLITE thermoplastic composite has been specified by Takeo GmbH Automotive Systems for the underbody shields of the new BMW.
UNDERBODY SHIELDS for the new BMW M3 will be made from SymaLITE® thermoplastic composite supplied by Quadrant Plastic Composites. The material has been specified by Tier One supplier Takeo GmbH Automotive Systems, Dietfurt, Germany, for these lightweight panels which cover almost the entire underside of the car, offering optimised aerodynamics, corrosion resistance and fuel efficiency. SymaLITE composite is based on polypropylene (PP) and specially orientated glass fibres. The pre-orientated fibres allow good loft behaviour during the heating and moulding process, giving expansion
of up to six times its original thickness and achieving densities of only 0.3 g/cm3, while increasing bending stiffness in the z-direction. The BMW application includes engine shield and gear box shield, parts to which the composite brings weight savings, improved acoustical performance, better aerodynamics, corrosion resistance and safety due to the material’s high resistance to crack propagation and deformation. “SymaLITE technology allows for physical and mechanical properties to match the demands of the part by varying the mix of PP and glass fibres," says Karl-Heinz
Kalmbach, Leader Business Line Exterior and Structures, Quadrant. "This offers a new level of design and processing flexibility. For example, it accommodates flat part design without the corrugations usual to parts moulded in GMT [glass mat thermoplastics] and LFT [long fibre thermoplastics], thereby giving better aerodynamics and acoustics damping characteristics.” Quadrant works closely with Takeo, providing design support, tool development, and developing new material grades. Quadrant Plastic Composites; www.quadrantcomposites.com
Diamond to manufacture D-JET DIAMOND Aircraft has received a $19.6 million repayable investment from the Government of Canada for research and development of its D-JET personal light aircraft. The company will manufacture the all-composite, five-seater aircraft at its London, Ontario, facility. “This investment will play a vital role in enabling our company to complete the final development, flight testing and certification of the D-JET, and to complete our transition to production,” says Peter Maurer, President of Diamond Aircraft Industries. Diamond Aircraft; www.diamondair.com March 2008
REINFORCEDplastics
9