Post on 08-Apr-2017
What is plastic ?
Plastic, refers to any synthetic organic material that can be moulded under heat, and pressure, into a shape that is retained after the heat and pressures are removed
First Plastics
° GRP - Glass Reinforced Plastic° Laminated, resin bonded structure° Easily formed° Easily painted° Surface cracking problematic
Which Automotive Plastics exist ?
Thermoplastics :- When heated become malleable without sustaining major chemical changes they can be molten down & dissolved
Thermosets :- Are cross-linked materials that will not fuse or dissolve
Colour Achievement° First Generation Bumpers were Pre-coloured plastic, in the tones Black or Grey° This colouring method was
severely limiting due to the plastic blend used
Why are Plastics used in Automotive engineering ?
Save WeightSave Weight
Save EnergySave Energy
Increase SafetyIncrease SafetyIncrease ComfortIncrease Comfort
Reduce NoiseReduce Noise
Reduce MaintenanceReduce Maintenance
Extend Service lifeExtend Service life
Plastic Repairs° Repairing Plastics is often demanded
by Insurance companies in some Countries.
Various repair techniques exist such as ° Plastic Welding° Plastic Bonding° Chemical bonding
Parts Repair off the Vehicle° Most structural repairs must be
carried out off the vehicle° Inside areas may need special
attention to maintain their strength
Why Paint a Plastic Part ?° To help Bond the Surface
° To Protect, improve and maintain its surface.
° To prevent degradation due to the environmental factors.
Styling & Plastic Parts
Painted Plastics enhance styling through -° Apperance & Colour° Improved Gloss° Easier maintenance° Special effects° Two Tone styling