Americas Plastic Compounding: Polymer Compounds To Be Used As Metal Substitutes In Automotive Component Fabrication
The automotive industry is undergoing rigorous evolution, and the plastics industry has a pivotal role in shaping the future. Plastics utilization in the automotive industry transformed in 1950’s, when thermoplastics were the first material to make the debut, opening with ABS and then moving ahead with polyamide, polyacetal, and polycarbonate together with the advent of alloys and blends of various polymers.
The ongoing progress of advanced, high-performance polymers has significantly increased their usage. Conventionally, plastics were preferred due to their excellent mechanical properties coupled with exceptional appearance and the ability of self-coloring.
Currently, plastics such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, thermoplastic vulcanizates are being used to build lightweight and energy efficient vehicles. They are expected to deliver improved durability, toughness, design flexibility, resiliency, and high performance at low cost.
Plastics used in a typical car
|
Part |
Plastic Used |
Average Weight (Kg) |
|
Bumpers |
PS, ABS, PC, PBT |
10.0 |
|
Seating |
PUR, PP, PVC, ABS, PA |
13.0 |
|
Dashboard |
PP, ABS, SMA, PPE, PC |
7.0 |
|
Fuel systems |
HDPE, POM, PA, PP, PBT |
6.0 |
|
Body (Including panels) |
PP, PPE, UP |
6.0 |
|
Under-bonnet components |
PA, PP, PBT |
9.0 |
|
Interior trim |
PP, ABS, PET, POM, PVC |
20.0 |
|
Electrical components |
PP, PE, PBT, PA, PVC |
7.0 |
|
Exterior trim |
ABS, PA, PBT, POM, ASA, PP |
4.0 |
|
Lighting |
PC, PBT, ABS, PMMA, UP |
5.0 |
|
Upholstery |
PVC, PUR, PP, PE |
8.0 |
|
Liquid reservoirs |
PP, PE, PA |
1.0 |
In the recent years, manufacturing processes across developed economies have begun to adopt industry automation methods to cut down on additional workers & allied expenses, and improve productivity and reduce turn-around times.
Automobile engineers are working together to enhance other systems, assimilating injection and blow molded parts offering an improved product with cheap assembly work. Plastics are gradually penetrating in the structural designs of the vehicles with technological advancements and R&D playing a key role in shaping the future outlook.
During the colossal growth of plastics components in automotive, the benefits of using plastics have reformed. Escalating costs are being countered by the ability of plastics to be molded into components of intricate geometries, often substituting various parts in other materials, and offering easier assemblage.
Automotive production in Mexico witnessed an increase of 5.86% from 2014 to 2015. Mexican automotive industry accounts for 6% of the national GDP and 18% of manufacturing. Major automotive manufacturers operating in Americas have setup their manufacturing facilities in the country due to the favorable business environment, availability of low-cost raw material and cheap labor.
In-depth report on Americas plastic compounding market by Grand View Research:
https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/americas-plastic-compounding-market