Automotive Weight Reduction Expo 2012 (1): lightweight materials

Carbon fiber reinforced plastics and lightweight metals

2012/03/01

Summary
Toray: EV concept car "TEEWAVE" AR1
Mitsubishi Rayon's CFRP plan
Hot-pressing that increases steel strengths, precision-stamped parts
Weight reduction with aluminum, magnesium and titanium
Weight reduction with bolts and screws

Summary

Below is a summary of exhibits of weight reducing technologies introduced at the 2nd Automotive Weight Reduction Expo held January 18-20, 2012 in Tokyo. They use carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP), hot pressed and fineblanked parts, and lightweight metals such as aluminum and magnesium.

Toray Industries exhibited its two-seater EV concept, "TEEWAVE" AR1, characterized by a generous use of CFRP that reduced the gross vehicle weight to 846kg. Mitsubishi Rayon had panels showing its plans with CFRP semi-manufactured materials that are currently in progress.

YAC Denko proposed hot-pressing technology featuring high strength that contributes to weight reduction by reducing the required product thickness. Feintool Japan exhibited products made by fine-blanking.

Lightweight products on display included those made of aluminum, magnesium and titanium. Also exhibited at the show were bolts and screws that also contribute to weight reduction.

This report is for paid members only.

If you register as a free member, you can read the rest of this article for a limited time.
In addition, you can also enjoy the following content for free:

Market & Tech Reports

Global automotive production/sales

Launch schedule forecasts