Metal replaced by high-performance polyamides for weight and cost reduction in Opel vehicles

摘要

High-performance polyamides such as polyphtalamide (PPA) have outstanding mechanical properties which remain unaffected even at high temperatures. The products are characterized by high rigidity and strength, a low tendency to creep and high chemical resistance. The performance range is expanded even further when continuous-strand reinforcement is used. As an alternative to die-cast metals, these products make it possible to reduce component weight, to lower unit costs and to integrate functions in a manner suitable for plastics. Adam Opel AG is using these high-performance polyamides successfully in various fields of application; this is illustrated here via the applications of the concentric slave cylinder, the adaptive forward lighting unit carrier and the front axle bearing.