Expanding Applications of Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic Materials

  Fiberglass reinforced plastics, also known as composite materials, are increasingly vital in the automotive industry due to their strength, lightness, and design flexibility. Their applications can be categorized into three main areas. First, Body Parts: This is a primary application direction, encompassing the body shell, hood, hardtop, sunroof, doors, radiator grille, headlight reflectors, bumpers, and interior trims. The use of composites here meets the demands for streamlined design and high-quality aesthetics, with significant potential for further development. These components are predominantly made from fiberglass reinforced thermosetting plastics using processes like SMC/BMC, RTM, and hand lay-up/spray-up. Second, Structural Components: This category includes front brackets, bumper beams, seat frames, and floor panels. The goal is to enhance design freedom, part integrity, and universal compatibility, primarily using high-strength materials like SMC, GMT, and LFT. Third, Functional Parts: These components require high-temperature resistance and oil corrosion resistance, typically for engine and surrounding parts. Examples are the engine valve cover, intake manifold, oil pan, air filter cover, and engine sound insulation board. The main materials and processes for these functional parts are SMC/BMC, RTM, GMT, and glass fiber reinforced nylon.