Automotive plastics.(New Materials and Processes Help OEMs Build Better Vehicles)

The automotive industry is one of the largest and most demanding for plastics. Molded parts can be found in nearly all vehicle systems, thanks to their advantages over metal components. Benefits of plastics to the automaker include design flexibility, weight savings, dent and corrosion resistance, and reduced tooling costs. Reducing weight to improve fuel efficiency is becoming a primary driver in the U.S. as gasoline prices continue to rise.

A survey by Frost & Sullivan underscores the success of plastics in vehicle weight reduction. Compared with traditional material