Jan 5 2004
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.