Automotive roof rack and accessories manufactured with QPF/SPF technology

摘要

An integrally designed roof rack and roof panel attached to a vehicle may be formed using quick plastic forming (QPF) and superplastic forming processing (SPF). A number of vehicle accessories such as luggage containers, fuel tanks, consoles, door attachments, truck beds and table trays may be formed using QPF processes. The items may be installed and movable onto and off the vehicle. A variety of QPF processes may be employed, enabling the vehicle accessory to meet required strength, dimensional, and shape considerations. Additionally, component integration is enabled by using QPF processes.