Technology Assessment of Automotive Applications of Metal-Plastic Laminates. Volume I

摘要

An analysis is presented of the potential use of metal-plastic laminates in automotive structures based on the relative physical properties and costs of laminates to steel, and on the compatibility of the laminates with current automotive manufacturing practice. Laminate cost/weight and manufacturing analyses were performed on selected components from a passenger automobile and light duty truck. There are a number of small, non-visible, functional components currently made with steel sheet that would be likely candidates for laminate use. The current commercial status of metal-plastic technology is reviewed, and the potential automotive use of laminates over the next decade is assessed. It is projected that laminates will not have a measurable impact on the fuel economy of U.S. production automobiles at least through 1990.