Magneti Marelli (hereinafter referred to as MM), a member of the Fiat Group, cooperated with Solvay, a supplier of thermoplastics, to launch the first carbon fiber steering knuckle for automobiles.
The steering knuckle of a car is also called a hub carrier or a suspension column. These components are usually heavy because they need to support the weight of the car and withstand the steering and braking forces transmitted through the components. Traditionally, these parts are made of cast iron. But MM believes that carbon fiber is also a viable solution.
Salvatore Sottile, the company’s senior material application engineer, said: “Carbon fiber laminate has very high mechanical properties, and injection molding can achieve very complex geometries, which can combine the two. In addition, by using recycled carbon fiber, the product cost can also be reduced. control."
The shape of the steering knuckle is complex and is usually cast, which brings challenges to the use of carbon fiber. MM and Solvay Composites Global Business Unit work together to combine the strength of composite materials with the formability of injection molding materials, and achieve production goals through advanced SMC technology. The carbon fiber steering knuckle produced by this method is 50% lighter than conventional cast iron products and 25% lighter than aluminum alloy products.
Currently, MM is contacting a number of Italian sports car manufacturers to look for market opportunities.