Automotive materials for changing times

Efficiency, light weight, durability, economics of manufacture, environmental considerations, and good looks are important in virtually every industry. Nowhere is this more true, however, than in the automotive industry, where consumer demands for appearance, performance, reliability and long life, low cost, and comfort must be balanced with government requirements for safety, fuel economy, and low pollutant emissions (in both manufacture and operation). New Materials have an integral role in meeting these obligations. Plastics and composites offer the potential for weight savings through lower density and parts consolidation. New metal alloys, both ferrous and non-ferrous, also allow weight reduction through use of thinner cross sections, near-net-shape capabilities, and higher strength at lower density. Coatings improve corrosion and wear resistance while enhancing appearance. Meanwhile, alternatives to conventional technologies depend on superior materials to resist the severe conditions imposed by more-efficient processes. These were among the issues discussed at the 1990 Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International Congress, held recently in Detroit. Topics covered all types of materials, including metals, ceramics, coatings, and plastics. Applications ranged from engine components to window moldings to body panel materials.