Injection Moulding Asia

First electric car shown in China with lightweight solutions

The solutions include Plexiglas PMMA material for the side screens and rear windows, replacing traditional mineral glass and reducing the weight of the screens by up to 50%. The special grade of PMMA is also applied at the rear lamps to achieve a special light diffusing effect.

The engine hood of Roewe E50 uses the Rohacell structural foam as core in sandwich structures. Compared to a steel engine hood, the sandwich version is said save up to 70% of weight. The material can also shorten curing cycles at elevated temperatures above 130°C. Because of its high mechanical strength at low densities, even small thicknesses of Rohacell enable the construction of light weight body parts with extreme stiffness, says the German firm.

With the aim to support high output production of composite body parts, a new epoxy resin formulation based on Vestamin hardener technology was used in the resin infusion manufacturing process. Short cycle times can be realised to be able to fit for mass production.