High Performance Thermoplastic Steering Wheel

Basic concept of automobile steering wheel has been largely unchanged for years. A metal armature (cast Magnesium or Aluminum) is typically used for steering wheel in most of vehicles to provide stiffness and strength with an over-molded polyurethane giving shape and occupant protection. Thermoplastic steering wheel concept has been developed from a unique polycarbonate-based, recyclable thermoplastic. Thermoplastic steering wheel offers stiffness, impact and ductility performance needsed for the global automotive markets. It offers a green solution with mass and cost advantages. It also opens new avenues for design flexibility and styling differentiation. This paper presents thermoplastic steering wheel technology which optimizes the weight, processing complexity and performance.