You’re working on a new car design. What materials will you choose to create something truly innovative?

1 Factors to consider

When selecting materials for a new car design, there are several factors to consider. The function and location of the component will determine what type of material is suitable; for example, materials for the body, chassis, engine, or interior have different requirements. Additionally, the cost and availability of the material must be taken into account in order to balance budget and supply chain with quality and performance. Furthermore, you have to evaluate the environmental impact of the material, including its life cycle, recyclability, and emissions; this must be done while complying with market regulations and standards. Lastly, customer preferences and expectations should be taken into consideration in order to design a car that meets or exceeds their demands.

2 Trends in automotive engineering materials

The automotive industry is ever-evolving, and so are the materials used in car design. Lightweighting is a popular trend, reducing the weight of the vehicle to improve fuel efficiency, handling, performance, emissions, and costs. Multimaterial solutions are also used to combine or layer different materials to achieve the best properties and performance for each component. Smart materials are utilized too, changing their shape, color, or behavior in response to external stimuli, providing greater comfort, safety, and convenience. These trends can create unique designs and effects while enabling new features and functions.

3 Common materials

Automotive engineering commonly utilizes a variety of materials, such as steel, aluminum, and plastics. Steel is strong, durable, and versatile, making it ideal for body, chassis, engine components, and fasteners. Aluminum is lightweight and corrosion-resistant, making it suitable for body panels, wheels, suspension components, and heat exchangers. Plastics are used for interior, exterior, and electrical components due to their flexibility and durability. All of these materials are relatively inexpensive and easy to recycle.