Applications

There are so many reasons to use rubber and plastics in Automobile application. They are widely used in Engine Bay, Interior, Exterior, Electrical System, Safety System, and so on. 

Characteristics of Automobile Application:

✤ Extreme Environments: High heat (engine bay), freezing cold, UV exposure, chemicals (oil, fuel, coolant, cleaners).

✤ Safety Critical: Failure of components like seals, hoses, or safety parts can be catastrophic.

✤ High Volume Production: Materials must be suitable for efficient molding/extrusion.

✤ Weight Sensitivity: Every gram counts for efficiency and range.

✤ Long-Term Reliability: Parts must last the vehicle's lifespan under constant stress and vibration.

✤ Strict Regulations: Must meet flammability, emissions (fogging), and recyclability standards.

Materials must handle the following properties:

Key Property Requirements:

✤ Heat Resistance: Withstand engine bay temps (up to 150°C+ for some parts).

✤ Chemical Resistance: Resist fuels, oils, coolants, brake fluids, cleaners.

✤ Impact Strength: Crucial for bumpers, body panels, and interior safety.

✤ Dimensional Stability: Maintain shape under heat and load.

✤ Weather & UV Resistance: Prevent fading and cracking (exterior/interior).

✤ Low Friction/Wear Resistance: Essential for moving parts (gears, bearings).

✤ Flame Retardancy: Mandatory for many interior and electrical components.

✤ Low Emissions (Fogging): Interiors must not emit fogging residues onto windows.

Recommended Materials for Automobile Application:

✤ Rubber: Seals (oil, coolant, fuel), hoses, vibration mounts, weatherstripping, tires.

✤ Nylon (PA): Air intake manifolds, radiator end tanks, fuel lines, gears, bearings, electrical connectors.

✤ Acrylic (PMMA): Tail lights, indicator lenses, interior light covers.

✤ POM (Acetal): Fuel system components (pumps, caps), seatbelt parts, clips, fasteners, gears, window regulators.

✤ PP (Polypropylene): Bumpers, battery cases (EV), interior trim, air ducts, fluid reservoirs.

✤ PTFE (Teflon): High-temp seals, gaskets, fuel system liners, low-friction bearings.

✤ PEEK: High-temp bearings, seals, transmission components, sensor housings (especially under-hood).

✤ HDPE: Fuel tanks (older designs), washer fluid tanks.

✤ UHMWPE: Wear strips, chain guides, battery component guides (EV).

✤ PET: Engine covers, wiring harness tape, some interior fabrics.

✤ Polyimide: High-temp electrical insulation, sensor parts.

✤ PVC: Underbody coatings, wiring insulation (specific types), some interior trim profiles.

✤ PC (Polycarbonate): Headlight lenses, instrument cluster covers, sunroofs, glazing.

✤ Phenolic Cotton: Electrical insulators, brake components (pistons, washers).

✤ Epoxy Glass (G10/FR4): Circuit boards, heavy-duty electrical insulators, sensor mounts.

Our material specialist would help identify the right solutions for your application. Please kindly let us know your detailed requirements. We will get back to you soonest possible.