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Plastic materials have become an essential component in the automotive industry, offering a wide range of benefits such as weight reduction, fuel efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness. The use of plastic materials in automotive design has grown in recent years due to advancements in technology, making them more versatile and suitable for various automotive applications. 

With so many plastic materials available, it can be challenging to know which ones are most suitable for specific automotive applications. In this article, we will discuss 10  of the most commonly used automotive plastic materials and explain why they’re so preferred.

1. 10+ Automotive plastic materials

1.1. PP

PP is a thermoplastic material made by combining several types of propylene monomers. Today, polypropylene (PP) is used for a wide range of applications, including the packaging of consumer goods and the automobile sector. In the automobile sector, PP is often used for manufacturing bumpers, chemical tanks, wire insulation, and gas cans. In addition, a range of applications inside a car, including door panels, the console, seatbacks, trunk liners,... also made from PP.

One of the main reasons PP is preferred in the automotive industry is its durability and resistance to heat, chemicals, and impact. PP can be molded into various shapes and sizes, making it an ideal material for creating interior and exterior parts of cars, such as bumpers, dashboard panels, and door trims. 

Another advantage of using PP in the automotive industry is its low weight, which can help improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.  PP is also a cost-effective material, which makes it an attractive option for car manufacturers looking to reduce production costs while maintaining high-quality standards. 

1.2. PUR

Polyurethane foam, (PUR), is a polymer that finds widespread use in the automotive sector. Polyurethane is used to produce high-resilience foam seats, rigid foam insulation panels, B-pillars, headliners, suspension insulators, bumpers, and other interior components of a vehicle. Because of the advancement of technology and drivers' increasing need for in-car wireless systems, such as GPS and hands-free communication, car manufacturers are now much more concerned with the interior acoustic design of a vehicle than they were in the past. 

PUR is often used because it can be injected into body cavities to insulate and minimize interior noises by absorbing noise and vibrations. Besides, Polyurethane is a cost-effective material that offers a wide range of design possibilities, in addition to its adaptability and versatility. 

PUR is often used in car seats for its exceptional comfort and, as a result of its lower material intensity and very long-lasting. Regarding environmental conce, PUR can be recycled, along with its value in reducing emissions. To lessen the overall impact on the environment, the increased use of recyclable materials is something that should be prioritized by both companies and individual customers.

1.3. PVC

Polyvinyl chloride(PVC), is a thermoplastic polymer that finds widespread use in the automobile sector. PVC is a suitable material for automotive applications in which longevity and dependability are critical elements, including:.

• Bodyside moldings
• Windscreen components
• Interior lining
• Under-the-hood wiring
• Car abrasion protection coatings
• Carpet matting
• Sealants and adhesives
• Other components such as dashboards and armrests

The most significant benefit of PVC is the ability to prolong the life of automobiles by contributing as the primary underbody protector (in the form of a wear-resistant coating). It can be also a sealant against humidity, and in other protective profiles. PVC is an energy-efficient polymer that helps to stop the depletion of natural resources. Besides, it is used in autos to reduce considerable cost and enhance performance advantages. As a result, they provide a wider selection of high-quality cars that are within the means of a greater populace.

Regarding the environment aspect, PVC offers a lot of benefits in terms of the environment. It uses very little energy and resources both during manufacture and during conversion into final goods. PVC may be recycled at the end of its useful life, much like all other thermoplastics, after being sorted into a single material stream.

Due to its superior dimensional stability, high-quality surface finish, and resistance to fading and discoloration, PVC is often chosen over alternative materials.

1.4. ABS

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a lightweight and durable material that can be easily molded and shaped into a wide range of automotive components, both interior and exterior. In the automotive industry, ABS is commonly used for applications such as exterior body panels, wheel covers, dashboard components, and interior trims. 

ABS is used in the automotive industry for several reasons. First of all, ABS is known for its excellent impact resistance, dimensional stability, and toughness, which makes it an ideal material for automotive applications where durability and reliability are key factors. 

Besides, ABS is a lightweight and versatile material that can be easily molded and shaped into a wide range of automotive components, both interior and exterior. It can be customized to meet the specific design requirements of different automotive components and can be easily bonded or welded to other materials such as metals, wood, or plastics.

Worth mentioning, ABS can be easily colored, painted, or coated to match the desired aesthetic and performance requirements of a vehicle's interior or exterior. It provides a high-quality surface finish and excellent dimensional stability, which makes it an attractive choice for automotive components such as dashboard components, interior trims, and exterior body panels.

Even when providing such valuable benefits,  ABS is still a cost-effective material compared to other materials used in automotive applications, such as carbon fiber or fiberglass. This makes it an attractive choice for automotive manufacturers looking to reduce their costs without sacrificing quality or performance.

1.5. PA

PA (Polyamide), also known as Nylon, is a common engineering thermoplastic used in the automotive industry. Polyamide is used in the manufacturing of a variety of automotive components, including those that are made out of glass-reinforced polymers (GRP), air intake manifolds, engine covers, rocker valve covers, airbag canisters, and other interior and exterior components. 

One of the key reasons why PA is used in the automotive industry is its excellent mechanical properties. It is a very strong and tough material that can withstand high loads and impacts. PA is also available in a range of grades, with different formulations designed to meet the specific needs of various automotive applications. For example, PA 6, PA 6/6, and PA 12 are commonly used in the automotive industry, with PA 6/6 being the most widely used.

Another reason why PA is used in the automotive industry is its heat resistance. It can withstand high temperatures without losing its mechanical properties, which is ideal for use in engine components such as the engine cover, air intake manifold, and valve covers. PA is also known for its excellent chemical resistance. It can resist exposure to many chemicals, suitable for use in fuel system components such as fuel rails, fuel tanks, and fuel filters.

1.6. PS

Polystyrene (PS) is a thermoplastic material that is popular for its lightweight and versatile nature. , Therefore, it becomes the top choice for a variety of automotive applications. One of the most common applications for PS in the automotive industry is as a material for exterior parts. This includes body-side moldings, bumpers, grilles, and other trim pieces. 

PS is an efficient and cost-effective material, becoming an attractive choice for mass-production applications. PS insulating properties are applied to manufacture interior components such as dashboards and door panels because of their ability to dampen sound and vibrations. Another important benefit of PS is its ability to be recycled. PS can be recycled and reused in other applications, hence, becoming an environmentally friendly material. 

However, one of the downsides of PS is its susceptibility to damage from UV radiation, which can cause it to degrade over time. This can be mitigated by using additives and coatings, but it is still a consideration when choosing PS for automotive applications.

1.7. PE

Polyethylene (PE) is a thermoplastic polymer that has various applications in the automotive industry. PE is often used in the manufacturing of interior and exterior components for its impact resistance and low moisture absorption. PE can be found in car fender liners, rocker panels, and door handles. It is also a popular material for car covers and other protective barriers.

PE is a lightweight material, which is ideal for automotive components that require minimal weight, such as fuel tanks, tubing, and hoses. PE is also highly resistant to chemical corrosion and is applied to the process of making components that are exposed to automotive fluids such as fuel, oil, and coolant. 

Besides, PE is a material that can be easily formed into different shapes for use in flexible components such as hoses, tubing, and seals. The material can also be easily extruded, which makes it an attractive choice for manufacturers that require long lengths of tubing or other components.

Another significant benefit of PE in the auto industry is its toughness and durability. It is suitable for use in exterior components such as car fender liners, rocker panels, and door handles. More valuable, PE is highly recyclable and environmentally friendly. This is an important consideration for automotive manufacturers as they seek to reduce their environmental impact.

1.8. POM

POM is considered an ideal material with high stiffness, high resistance to wear, good dimensional stability, chemical resistance, and resistance to impact and fatigue. It is a popular choice for manufacturing many different automotive components including:

• Fuel system components: due to POM's excellent chemical resistance to fuels, oils, and solvents.
• Interior components: due to POM's excellent dimensional stability, low friction coefficient, and good wear resistance.
• Exterior components: due to POM's high stiffness, impact resistance, and weather ability.
• Engine components: due to POM's excellent resistance to wear, fatigue, and creep.
  
  

POM is a very versatile material that offers a combination of excellent mechanical and physical properties that then become suitable for many automotive applications. POM is considered an ideal material with high hardness, high wear resistance, good dimensional stability, chemical resistance and resistance to impact and fatigue. Its unique combination of hardness, low friction, abrasion resistance and chemical resistance make it a popular choice for the manufacture of a wide variety of automotive parts.

1.9. PC

Polycarbonates (PC) are a group of thermoplastic polymers containing carbonate groups in their chemical structures. Some common applications of PC in the automotive industry include:

• Headlight lenses
• Window and windshield glazing
• Dashboard and interior trim
• Exterior body panels

One of the key reasons for the widespread use of PC in the automotive industry is their excellent impact resistance. Due to its ability to withstand impacts without shattering or cracking, PC is a safer choice for vehicle components that are prone to damage, such as headlights and taillights.

The PC is also transparent, allowing for clear visibility in automotive applications such as windows and sunroofs.  Additionally, PC can be easily molded into different shapes, allowing for greater design flexibility and ease of manufacturing. 

Another property that makes PC ideal for automotive applications is its resistance to high temperatures. It can withstand the heat of the engine and other under-hood components, which is suitable for use in these applications. Furthermore, the PC also has good dimensional stability, which means that it is less likely to warp or deform over time, ensuring that it remains functional and visually appealing.

1.10. PMMA

PMMA, or polymethyl methacrylate, is a transparent thermoplastic that has many uses in the automotive industry. It is used for exterior and interior parts such as headlamp lenses, taillight lenses, and instrument panels.

PMMA has a high level of transparency, allowing for excellent light transmission. This material is also highly resistant to weathering, withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight and other environmental factors without yellowing, hazing, or cracking. Worth mentioning, PMMA is highly scratch-resistant, then becomes the first choice for use in automotive applications where surfaces may be exposed to frequent handling and abrasion. 

Lastly, PMMA can be easily molded into a wide range of shapes and sizes, allowing for greater design flexibility and creativity in automotive applications. This makes it a popular choice for instrument panels, where designers need to balance functionality with aesthetic appeal.

1.11. PBT

PBT, or polybutylene terephthalate, is commonly used in the automotive industry due to its excellent mechanical and electrical properties. PBT is a member of the polyester family and is created by combining terephthalic acid or dimethyl terephthalate with 1,4-butanediol. Some of its applications in automotive are:

• Electrical components: connectors, switches, relays, and sensors.
• Under-the-hood parts: engine covers, oil filter housings, and radiator end tanks.
• Exterior parts: front grilles, mirror housings, and wheel.
• Interior parts: door handles, seat belt components, and airbag housings.

PBT has a high strength-to-weight ratio, which is suitable for automotive applications where parts need to be both strong and lightweight. Additionally, PBT has good resistance to many chemicals, including oils, fuels, and brake fluids. This makes it a suitable material for automotive components that are exposed to these substances.

In terms of dimensional stability, PBT can maintain its shape and size in varying temperatures and humidity levels. This is important for automotive parts that need to function properly in different weather conditions. PBT also has low water absorption, which makes it less susceptible to degradation and corrosion caused by water exposure. This is important for parts that are exposed to moisture and need to last a long time without corroding or degrading.

1.12. PET

PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is a type of polyester thermoplastic material. In the automotive industry, PET is used in the form of fibers, films, and foams. PET films are used for laminating glass windows to reduce shattering in case of accidents, and to protect headlights and tail lights from scratches and UV radiation. PET foams are used as a lightweight and durable material for vehicle interior parts such as door panels, instrument panels, and headliners.

PET is used in the automotive industry for various applications due to its desirable properties. Firstly, PET is a strong and rigid material, with good resistance to impact and chemicals, which is suitable for applications such as car interior panels, door panels, and trim. PET is also easy to process, allowing for efficient and cost-effective manufacturing of automotive parts.

Besides, PET provides great innovation and design. External plastic vehicle cladding enables designers to develop cutting-edge ideas that may not be feasible when working with metal. Utilizing plastics also results in lower production and manufacturing expenses, which are then passed on to the customer. Furthermore, unlike metal, which rusts when scratched, a PET bumper or plastic vehicle door cladding is considerably simpler to repair or replace when dented or scraped. In terms of sustainability, PET is a highly recyclable material, which is important in the automotive industry as there is a growing focus on sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of manufacturing.

1.13. ASA

ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) is a copolymer of Acrylonitrile, Styrene, and Acrylate used in the automotive industry for exterior components such as body panels, spoilers, grilles, and trim parts. 

ASA has excellent weathering properties and is highly resistant to UV radiation. This material also has good impact strength, good thermal stability, good surface finish properties, and chemical resistance properties. All of these benefits help ASA is increasingly preferred in the automotive industry and suitable for coming into contact with chemicals, such as fuel lines, reservoirs, and tanks.

2. Looking for automotive plastic manufacturers?

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• Bring the full features of the finished product in a single input material
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