Thermoplastic Body Panels: An Example of Body Reengineering

The use of thermoplastic for body panels in automotive industry can only be successful if the characteristics of these new materials are well known and taken into account at an early stage in development. It is the purpose of the work lead by Plastic Omnium on the Omnium System Car (OSCAR) research project to imagine the best way of using thermoplastics for the body of the front of the car. The perimeter studied includes fenders, bumpers, hood and front grille. The result is an easy to assemble modular body, weighing less and with amazing possibilities for stylists in terms of shapes and decorations.