Peguform France developed a patented thermoplastic sandwich material/process (Sandwiform) for automotive applications with the goal to provide lightweight systems. Sandwiform is for the OEMs seeking innovative ways to reduce vehicle weight and cut production costs. Sandwiform is a recyclable composite material consisting of a honeycomb cellular core positioned between two reinforced thermoplastic skins. Via thermocompression, production is a one-step process that takes approximately one minute. Exposure to heat then pressure changes the loosely stacked sandwich to a thermoplastic composite, with high strength to weight and high stiffness to weight properties as well as a finished product that is highly resistant to heat, impact and corrosion. Sandwiform's one step process is typically covered on one or two sides by carpeting or foil. This paper describes the materials and process used in Sandwiform, the properties of the material, and its application on automotive loadfloors with a special focus on the loadfloor of the Jeep Grand Cherokee MY 2005. The exclusive polymer used throughout this particular load floor is polypropylene. Thus the composite structure is comprised entirely of polypropylene and glass fibers. Among the major advantages of this design are the following characteristics: structural integrity, low weight, excellent thermal stability, acoustic abatement, incorporation of recycled raw materials, and the opportunity for end-of-life component recycling. As well as the use of recycled PP from industrial waste. Regarding processing of this load floor, there are several additional key advantages such as: low cycle time, excellent formability, part consolidation, high automation, and the low environmental impact associated with thermoplastic polymers. Sandwiform's high-performance capabilities make it ideal for a wide range of automotive applications including cargo load floors, engine shields, trunk panels, backrest, aerodynamic skid plates, spare wheel pans, and floors.
Loadfloors for automotive in thermoplastic sandwich structures (Sandwiform)
Automobilladeflächen in Sandwich-Bauweise
2005
7 Seiten, 9 Bilder, 3 Tabellen, 4 Quellen
Conference paper
English
Thermoplastic sandwich structures for automotive floorpan applications
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