THE NEXT PLASTICS REVOLUTION IS NOW!

This article discusses the use of plastic body panels for automobiles. It is predicted that by 1990 nearly 1 million cars a year will use plastic panels, and by the turn of the century one third to one half of the cars made in the U.S. could have plastic panels. One of the explanations for this is that plastic panels can be retooled for a fraction of the cost of steel ones. The possibility of greater design flexibility with plastic is also making it more attractive. In a comparison with Japan's economy-of-scale in panels and the latest Japanese triaxis transfer presses, which currently give them the advantage with steel panels, it is felt that, while their cost advantage can't be eliminated, plastic panels can help defray it. Parts consolidation is seen as the key role plastics can play. Assembling and handling could be a problem area, however, unless an automaker decides to reconfigure an assembly plant for an all-plastic car. The ultimate test which will determine the long-term success of plastics in automobiles will be acceptance in the market place.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/31209162
• Corporate Authors:

  Chilton Company, Incorporated

  One Chilton Way
  Philadelphia, PA  United States  19089
• Authors:
  • MCELROY, J
• Publication Date: 1985-9

Media Info

• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: p. 46-49
• Serial:
  • Automotive Industries
  • Volume: 165
  • Issue Number: 9
  • Publisher: Randall Publishing Company
  • ISSN: 1099-4130
  • Serial URL: http://www.ai-online.com

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Assembly lines; Costs; Economics; Feasibility analysis; Markets; Motor vehicle bodies; Plastics; Tools
• Old TRIS Terms: Automobile bodies; Tooling
• Subject Areas: Economics; Finance; Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00495556
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-039 429
• Files: HSL, USDOT
• Created Date: Jul 31 1990 12:00AM