Continental Structural Plastics (CSP), a specialist in vehicle lightweighting technologies, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Mitsubishi Rayon Co Ltd regarding the development of carbon fiber structural components for the automotive industry in North America.
The companies plan to establish an equity-based joint venture to produce compression molded components made from carbon fiber reinforced plastic materials, which could include carbon fiber sheet molded compound (SMC) and/or pre-preg carbon fiber compression molding (PCM).
These components will include Class A body panels, as well as non-class A structural automotive applications including pillars, engine cradles or supports, radiator supports, frames and rails,bumper beams,underbody shields, door inners and intrusion beams.
‘This agreement represents a tremendous opportunity for us to work jointly with one of the world’s largest manufacturers of carbon fiber to introduce a new generation of lightweight components for the auto industry,’ said Frank Macher, chairman and CEO of CSP.
‘By working together with Continental Structural Plastics, we gain access to tremendous expertise in composites, and in developing structural applications for light vehicles,’ said Akira Nakagoshi, general manager, composite products division, Mitsubishi Rayon.
This story uses material from CSP, with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier.
