COMPRESSION-MOLDED SMC SPLIT-BENCH CAR SEAT HAS COST AND WEIGHT SAVINGS

This paper reports on results of an experimental program carried out at Ford Motor Company to investigate the feasibility of a RP seat structure as an alternative to steel or aluminum assemblies. The basic objectives of the project were: 1) to develop a seat structure which was directly interchangeable with current production seats; 2) to meet performance requirements; 3) to offer a weight saving compared with steel construction; 4) to offer a cost saving compared with aluminum. It is demonstrated that a bonded, multi-piece, 65% glass-reinforced vinyl-ester assembly meets Ford's corporate-acceptance standards. The test program involved 25 material variations and numerous static and dynamic tests, including low-temperature impact and high-temperature flex. The SMC seat structure is weight-competitive with a comparable aluminum assembly -- and provides significant cost savings.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Based on Best-of-Conference Award paper presented at SPI 35th RP/C Inst. Conference, New Orleans, February 1980.
• Corporate Authors:

  McGraw-Hill, Incorporated

  330 West 42nd Street
  New York, NY  United States  10036
• Authors:
  • Stefani, M H
• Publication Date: 1980-5

Media Info

• Pagination: 4 p.
• Serial:
  • Modern Plastics
  • Volume: 57
  • Issue Number: 5
  • Publisher: McGraw-Hill, Incorporated

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alternatives analysis; Automobiles; Costs; Economics; Performance based specifications; Reinforced plastics; Seats; Sheet molding compounds; Specifications; Weight
• Old TRIS Terms: Compression molding; Plastics (Reinforced)
• Subject Areas: Economics; Finance; Highways; Vehicles and Equipment; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00325216
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Engineering Index
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-029 032
• Files: HSL, TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 15 1984 12:00AM