This single-piece carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) construction with exposed fabric weave provides a lightweight, functional component that increases downforce at high speeds while providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
The air extractor makes extensive use of adhesive bonding to join additional components in alternative materials (a polyamide vent screen and a thermoplastic polyester deflector). Adhesive bonding also isolates the carbon composite panel from the rest of the aluminium hood, preventing galvanic corrosion.
The part was produced by using MTM Prepreg 57 Series epoxy/carbon fibre prepreg and the vacuum-bag/autoclave cure process.
The companies involved in the manufacture of the part were:
- Tier supplier/processor: TransGlobal LLC / deBotech Inc; and
- Material supplier/tool maker: Umeco plc/Cytec Industries, BASF Corp, SABIC/deBotech Inc.
The SPE Automotive Innovation Awards were presented on 7 November.
