Plastics for Automotive Applications | Automotive Plastics

Plastics are essential materials in the automotive industry. Lightweight polymers such as ABS, polypropylene, and polyurethane are used in interior car components such as dashboard panels or door panels. On the exterior, bumpers are made from a variety of plastics, including polypropylene and nylon. Plastics are even used for engine parts and electrical wiring harnesses, connnectors, and switches. From top to bottom, plastics see use in every facet of car construction due to their light weight, durability, design flexibility, and relative inexpensiveness. The extra weight reduction provided by plastics helps reduce fuel consumption and lower manufacturing costs.

Plastics for automotive applications fall under NAICS codes #3661, 334515, 335931, 336310, 336320, 336330, 336340, 336350, and 336390.

• [Extruded ABS Datasheet]
• [Machine Grade ABS Datasheet]
• [Acrylic Datasheet]
• [HDPE Datasheet]
• [Nylon Datasheet]
• [PVC Type 1 Datasheet]
• [Polypropylene Datasheet]

The types of plastics used in cars include polypropylene, polyurethane, PVC, ABS, acrylic, polyamides (nylons), polycarbonate, and polyethylene (HDPE/LDPE).

According to Volkswagen, more than 70% of the plastic in today's cars consist of polypropylene, polyurethane, polyamides (nylons), and PVC. Out of these 4 polymers, polypropylene is the most frequently used due to its thermoplasticity, excellent chemical and heat resistance, and good impact resistance.

Plastics make up roughly 10% of a modern car's weight, but may make up anywhere between 50 to 70% of a car in volume. They are used throughout the car for a wide range of interior and exterior parts, including bumpers, dashboards, electrical connectors and switches, and coolant tanks.

Plastics will not rust and are more lightweight than steel. This extra weight reduction improves fuel efficiency and speed. They are also more easily recycled than steel and cheaper to repair overall, leading to lower maintenance costs. Compared to metal, plastics offer design flexibility - they are easier to fabricate and mold into custom parts.

Plastics are commonly used in the automotive industry due to their versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. They are used for various components such as interior and exterior parts, electrical components, and under-the-hood components. Plastics help reduce weight, improve fuel efficiency, and enhance vehicle durability and safety. Common automotive applications that utilize plastic include:

• Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals
• Current-Carrying Wiring Device Manufacturing
• Motor Vehicle Manufacturing
• Motor Vehicle Engine and Motor Parts Manufacturing
• Motor Vehicle Steering and Suspension Components (except Spring) Manufacturing
• Motor Vehicle Brake System Manufacturing
• Motor Vehicle Transmission and Power Train Parts Manufacturing
• Other Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing