Automotive/F1

ÉireComposites is involved in serial production and prototyping of thermoplastic composite components for the automotive and Formula 1 racing industries.

• The company is producing bus bumpers in GF/PP for a customer in Northern Ireland. Using the MECH Tool system, ÉireComposites can provide cost-effective solutions for an application where impact performance is critical.

• ÉireComposites has carried out prototyping of a GF/PP rear door for an SUV, for a major producer of automobiles. A combination of light weight, mechanical properties and impact performance are what are required for this application.

• The company has also developed technology in lightweight, high performance thermoplastic composites for highly-loaded machine elements. ÉireComposites developed a CF/PEEK rocker for a Formula 1 racing team, to replace the existing aluminium forging. The component was 30% lighter and able to perform at high service temperatures (150ºC) and under server fatigue loading.

• ÉireComposites has also developed technology for the production of thermoplastic crash tubes for automotive applications.

See section on Thermoplastics Composites Explained for more information on thermoplastic composites.

Automotive composites