What is Lightweight Material?

What is lightweight material?

Lightweight material is material that can reduce the weight of the car. Can be divided into high strength materials such as high strength steel and low density lightweight material such as aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy, plastic and composite materials.

(1) High strength steel

– Compared with ordinary steel, it has the characteristics of high strength, light weight, lower the cost, etc .

– It is the most important material that can ensure collision safety. High strength steel amount directly decide the level of lightweight car.

– High strength steel is mainly used in automobile body, chassis, suspension, steering and other auto parts.

(2) Aluminum

– Aluminum alloy is the most common automotive light metal material, it has high specific strength, good extrusion, strong corrosion resistance and high recyclability.

– Can be used to manufacture engine parts, shell parts and other parts on chassis.

(3) Magnesium alloy

– Can reduce vehicle weight, specific strength higher than aluminum alloy and steel.

– Well damped system, shock absorption is greater than aluminum alloy and cast iron, can reduce noise and vibration, improve the safety and comfort of the car.

– Mainly used for body and chassis parts, such as the dashboard frame and beam, seat frame, steering wheel, intake manifold, etc.

(4) Titanium alloy

– The specific strength of titanium is the highest among common materials. – High specific strength, good heat resistance, corrosion resistance, low temperature toughness, high specific fracture toughness and good processing adaptability, etc.

– Titanium and titanium alloy are mainly used for vehicle suspension springs and valve springs, engine valves and other high strength and oxidation resistance parts.

(5) Plastics and composites

– The plastics used in automobile mainly include polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PEL) and polyurethane (PUR).

– Common fiberglass reinforced composite are sheet molding compound, bulk molding compounds and resin transfer plastic.

– Plastic and composite materials can not only reduce the weight of auto parts but also reduce the production cost.

– Used in automobile instrument panel, door interior plate, bumper, wheel cover, engine intake pipe, etc.