- Lightweight design and alternative drives go hand in hand

- Structural lightweight design complements existing product portfolio

Lightweight structural engineering based on fiber-reinforced plastics is 
replacing heavy metal solutions in body-in-white and battery applications. In 
addition, the technology offers significantly better design and integration 
options. These lightweight designs particularly support the strengths of 
alternative drive systems. Rochling Automotive is intensifying research and 
development in this area. Several product segments benefit from this - for 
example, load-bearing tubs and troughs, battery covers and underride guards, as 
well as a variety of structural components. 

Engineering plastics serve as the basis for lightweight solutions. Rochling's 
high-performance plastics are combined with other materials as required. 
Multi-material design produces components that are superior to classic 
solutions. Peter Dill, Director Product Portfolio Global, summarizes the 
advantages: "In lightweight structural design, plastics are the basis for 
tailor-made modification of material properties. This opens up numerous 
possible applications. The lower weight and the possibility of integration 
offer a welcome opportunity to reduce costs."

Dill explains this using the example of Rochling Automotive's front-end 
carrier: "Through functional integrations, we reduce the quantity of individual 
parts. We can directly integrate and install lamps, sensors and active grille 
shutters at factory. This makes handling easier and minimizes production 
costs." The lower weight of the components extends the range of electrically 
powered vehicles and reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, Dill added.

In addition, Rochling Automotive is conducting intensive research on further 
increasing strength and stiffness through continuous fiber reinforcement. In 
so-called tape technology, additional reinforcing elements are inserted into 
the components along the load paths. These "tapes" consist of extremely thin, 
very long glass or carbon fibers embedded in a plastic matrix. The associated 
local reinforcement ensures optimum use of the material. The material can be 
subjected to high mechanical stresses. At the same time, the cost of tape 
technology is comparatively low.

For Tobias Eisele, Vice President Sales & Marketing Global, the development of 
structural lightweight competencies at Rochling Automotive is a logical step: 
"We have already shown in various projects what is possible with lightweight 
design today and the importance of structural lightweighting will continue to 
grow. By expanding our expertise in this area, we are focusing on a technology 
of the future." 

You can find more information at 
https://www.roechling.com/automotive/products-solutions/structural-lightweight

The Rochling Group has been shaping industry. Worldwide. For nearly 200 years. 
We transform the lives of people every day with our customized plastics: they 
reduce the weight of cars, make medication packaging more secure and improve 
industrial applications. Our workforce of around 11,100 people is located in 
the places where our customers are - in 90 locations in 25 countries. The 
Group's three divisions generated joint annual sales of 2.039 billion euro in 
2020.

The Industrial division is the expert for optimal materials for every use. We 
develop and supply individual products made of plastic for all industrial 
areas. This is why we have the broadest product range of thermoplastics and 
composite materials. We supply our customers with semi-finished products or 
machined components. 

The Automotive division advances mobility. Our product solutions in the areas 
of aerodynamics, propulsion and structural lightweight help solve major 
challenges. We protect the environment while also improving the driving 
experience. 

The Medical division develops innovative, reliable, customized products, 
services, and platform solutions for the healthcare industry. As a reliable 
partner, we help our customers achieve pioneering results in disease prevention 
and health restoration worldwide.

Picture at AP Images (http://www.apimages.com)

Katrin Hubong 
Senior Manager Marketing & Communication 
T +151 40669523
khussong@roechling.com
www.roechling.com 

SOURCE: Rochling Automotive SE & Co. KG