Lightweight structural engineering based on fiber-reinforced plastics is replacing heavy metal solutions in body-in-white and battery applications.
In addition, the technology can also achieve significant optimization design and functional integration. These lightweight designs can especially help highlight the advantages of new energy vehicles. Rochner Motors is strengthening the research and development in this field. Many subdivided products will benefit from it – For example, load-bearing spare tire slot or storage slot, battery cover and bottom guard plate, and various structural components.
Engineering plastics are the basis of lightweight solutions. Rochling's high-performance plastics can be used in conjunction with other materials according to needs. Parts designed and produced using composite materials are superior to traditional solutions. Peter Dill, global product portfolio director, outlined the following advantages: " In the design of lightweight structures, plastic is the basis for customized material modification. It makes many applications possible. Lower weight and integration provide room for cost reduction.”
Peter Dill took the front-end frame of the Rochner car as an example to further explain: "Through functional integration, the number of individual parts is reduced. We can directly integrate and install lights, sensors and active air intake grilles in the factory. This makes the operation change. It`s easier to make it easier and to minimize production costs. "These components are lighter in weight, which can increase the range of electric vehicles and reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions," Peter Dill added.
In addition, Rochling Motors is conducting in-depth research on the use of continuous fibers to further improve product strength and rigidity. In the so-called "tape technology", the reinforcing elements are inserted into the parts along the load path. These "tapes" are embedded in the plastic matrix. The ultra-fine and extremely long glass fiber or carbon fiber composition can ensure the best performance of the material through interlacing and local reinforcement, so that it can withstand higher mechanical stress. At the same time, the cost of tape technology is relatively low.
For Tobias Eisele, vice president of global marketing, Rochner’s ability to develop structural lightweighting is a logical step for the company: “We have demonstrated the possibilities of lightweight design in many projects, and The importance of lightweight structure will continue to rise. By expanding our expertise in this field, we are focusing on developing future-oriented technologies"