Saving fuel on the lighter side
Innovative polymer-metal hybrid makes cars light and strong
High fuel prices, climate protection policies with their associated reductions in CO2 emissions from cars – these are the challenges faced by the international automotive industry right now. The entire climate footprint of a car is under scrutiny. Apart from the type of engine and fuel consumption, weight and the materials used also play a crucial role. As a reliable development partner, with a new, innovative polymer-metal hybrid, REHAU is helping the manufacturers to make cars lighter and thus more efficient but at the same time stronger and safer.
Hybrid Plus technology is opening up new dimensions for the automotive sector. Entire car parts can now be made of the newly developed polymer-metal hybrid materials, significantly reducing both weight and fuel consumption. Over the life of a vehicle, a 100 kg (220 lb) weight reduction produces a saving of around 1,500 litres (400 gal) of fuel. The decisive advantage of lightweight car design is that, irrespective of the type of engine and source of fuel, it helps make cars less thirsty, more efficient and thus more economical. Petrol, diesel or electric – no difference.
Taking a Cue From Nature
Achieving extreme strength but low weight even for large components – nature shows us how. Take the toucan, for example. Its enormous bill is extremely light but at the same time so strong it can be used to crack nuts. Low weight and great strength are properties also essential in modern cars. Hybrid Plus technology makes it possible to do without three-layer steel components by spraying a reinforcing rib structure made of fibre-reinforced polypropylene onto galvanized sheet steel shaped in the normal way.
Hybrid Plus can be used for the widest range of components, from tailgate to front end bearer to seatbelt pillar. In cooperation with the Fritz and Läpple companies, REHAU has already applied innovative Hybrid Plus technology to a tailgate module for an SUV model. The new technology meets the highest mechanical requirements. “Hybrid Plus components are particularly rigid. The rigidity of some components is even doubled,” says Dr. Peter Michel, head of automotive advance engineering at REHAU.
Safety Writ Large
Hybrid Plus technology can also be used in the manufacture of safety-related components for cars, busses and utility vehicles. Even seatbelt pillars subjected to immense weight loads during a crash can be manufactured from this combination of plastic and metal.
REHAU product development is not only making a major contribution to improving the climate footprint of cars; utility vehicles can also benefit from the Hybrid Plus light construction principle.
Taking a Cue From Nature
Achieving extreme strength but low weight even for large components – nature shows us how. Take the toucan, for example. Its enormous bill is extremely light but at the same time so strong it can be used to crack nuts. Low weight and great strength are properties also essential in modern cars. Hybrid Plus technology makes it possible to do without three-layer steel components by spraying a reinforcing rib structure made of fibre-reinforced polypropylene onto galvanized sheet steel shaped in the normal way.
Hybrid Plus can be used for the widest range of components, from tailgate to front end bearer to seatbelt pillar. In cooperation with the Fritz and Läpple companies, REHAU has already applied innovative Hybrid Plus technology to a tailgate module for an SUV model. The new technology meets the highest mechanical requirements. “Hybrid Plus components are particularly rigid. The rigidity of some components is even doubled,” says Dr. Peter Michel, head of automotive advance engineering at REHAU.
Safety Writ Large
Hybrid Plus technology can also be used in the manufacture of safety-related components for cars, busses and utility vehicles. Even seatbelt pillars subjected to immense weight loads during a crash can be manufactured from this combination of plastic and metal.
REHAU product development is not only making a major contribution to improving the climate footprint of cars; utility vehicles can also benefit from the Hybrid Plus light construction principle.
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© REHAU Incorporated 2010
© REHAU Incorporated 2010
© REHAU Incorporated 2010