A new glass mat thermoplastic (GMT) material called SymaLITE offers 20% to
50% better mechanical properties than competing materials, according to the
supplier, with first commercial use in underbody panels for the new 5- and 6-Series
sedans from BMW.
Supplied
by Quadrant Plastics Composites (QPC), SymaLITE is a composite light-weight
material based on polypropylene and specially orientated glass fibres whose
weight, rigidity and shaping set new standards.
During further-processing, SymaLITE, after heating, can be expanded to many
times its original thickness. Densities of only 0.3 g/cm³ can be achieved.
Partially compacted, i.e. light-weight, components with high rigidity and sound-proofing
effect, can be produced by compression molding.
As recognition of this technology Quadrant recently received an award for its
innovative achievements in the field of composite materials, in particular for
the underbody structure of the new BMW Series 5 model using the new SymaLITE
technology.
For more information on thermoplastics, click here.
Posted 6th January 2004
