Teijin Creates Multi-Material Door Modules To Service Across The Automotive Industry

With such high strength whilst keeping a low weight, the modules are made from carbon fiber sheet molded compound (SMC), glass fiber SMC, and unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) and unidirectional glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP). The three multi-material door modules have been created to serve across the automotive industry.

Teijin is at the forefront of developments in the #automotive industry, and is trusted by many large scale companies to deliver results where performance is achieved through #innovation.

Recently, the development of #multimaterial #composite automotive side-door panel has allowed a reduced overall weight by 35 percent compared to a conventional steel door - whilst still maintaining required crash specifications. Offering both the crucial high strength and more #sustainable low weight, the modules are made from carbon fiber sheet molded compound (SMC), glass fiber SMC, unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) and unidirectional glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP).

The new solution provides more design freedom than is possible with metal, also achieving deeper draws whilst being of equal cost of an aluminium door module.

The need for these new modules was clear when previously developed multi-material side-door module posed challenges because of the required shock absorption and other safety requirements. All three of the new modules surpass every requirement and are still able to achieve a Class A finish.

There are three types of multi-material door modules. The first is an all composite door, which is lightweight and reduces the amount of parts needed, with a 33% weight reduction making it the perfect addition to a sports car. The second is composite and steel for SEDAN, which has high strength and stroke, with optimised side impact performance. The third module is composite and aluminium for SUV, which uses intelligent design in order to simplify the process with optimised parts manufacturing.

The development of the aforementioned door modules is setting the precedence for future manufacturing with more efficient, more lightweight, high impact door panels. Focusing on maximising efficiency (but never compromising on safety or aesthetic) aligns the end product with the vitally important societal conventions when it comes to making products sustainable.

?By being developed in response to the automotive industry’s need to reduce CO2 emissions, Teijin is once again committed to creating automotive components which enhance fuel efficiency - increasing range for electric vehicles and increasing miles per gallon or MPG for conventional vehicles.

Teijin Automotive Technologies has the most advanced composite materials development processes in the world. Continually seeking new ways to make the composites lighter and stronger, striving towards innovation which contributes to making the world a better place.