The functionality and robustness of a mechanical component is as good as the materials used to manufacture it. This holds well in the automotive industry, where cost is an important criterion for the selection of materials used in manufacturing.
However, it is the quality of these materials that determines the strength and life of the end-component that is being manufactured.
In earlier times, key materials used in the automotive industry – mainly iron and related metals – were abundantly available at fairly reasonable costs. This scenario has changed over the years, which is why newer materials have come into the industry. Cost has not been the only factor in directing the use of newer raw materials for production of components; changing legislation on the hazardous nature of certain materials as well as more sustainable sources have also led to the discovery and use of alternate materials.
Alternate and more sustainable materials are being used in the construction of various parts and components of vehicles, including body-in-white, chassis, body panels, tyres, wheels, interiors panels, seats and windows. While the focus of developing future materials until recently has mostly been about cost reduction of the raw material itself, a shift is being seen towards enabling newer materials to pave the way for improved total cost of ownership. This is in addition to new-age materials being more sustainable, in terms of source.
MATERIALS TO ADDRESS MEGATRENDS
It must be noted that globally, R&D initiatives are underway to create polymer compounds using innovative additives and composites. These materials are being developed to help achieve the objectives of emissions reduction, lightweighting and structural rigidity, which are the cornerstones for materials development in the automotive sector.
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