Automakers Spur A Natural Progression In Reinformcement

摘要

European automakers are pioneering the use of natural fibers to reinforce polyurethane. Parts made with mat already appear in some upmarket cars, and the use of roving may be near. Currently, 8 to 10 natural-fiber-rein-forced parts are produced for makes such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW, representing a total volume of about 1 million parts/;yr, notes Tomas Cherbya, senior technical sales specialist for Hennecke Machinery, Pittsburgh, PA.