DESIGN LINES
ParaMatters Joins Techniplas Lightweight Design Program
Automotive product design and manufacturing company Techniplas recently announced a partnership with lightweighting software-design firm ParaMatters to bring that company into Techniplas’ open innovation program. ParaMatters will add a new cognitive design platform, intended to automatically generate additive manufacturing of high-performance, lightweight structures, to the Techniplas program. This will further advance Techniplas’ evolving Prime expanded […]
Lighter-Weight Porsche 911 GTS RS
The 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS gotten lots of attention for its racing chassis and four-liter, 520 horsepower engine. But, as is increasingly the case these days, the car was strategically designed and built to optimize lightweight construction techniques. As with the previous model, front and rear fascia are made from lightweight polyurethane. The front […]
GM to Use Carbon Fiber in Next-Generation Pickup Beds?
General Motors has made efforts to slash weight from its vehicles, and its next-generation full-size pickup trucks might get the most surprising lightweight solution yet. They might be in line for a carbon fiber-induced diet.
BMW: Arriving Prepared
BMW pushes flexibility and advanced material composites as the automaker redesigns its future.
In addition to designing new assembly systems, the OEM is developing “future proof” platforms that can accept electric powertrains, combustion engines and hybrids.
FCA, Toyota, Faurecia, AP&T Win Altair Lightweighting Awards
The winner of the Full Vehicle category was the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, which is an impressive 249 pounds (113 kilograms) lighter than its predecessor. Toyota’s carbon fiber closure panels for the 2017 Prius Prime and Lexus LC500, and Faurecia’s Adaptive Valve for exhaust systems employed on the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado took the top honors for the module category.
The Power of Two Materials: Plastic Meets Metal
Emission regulations are becoming more stringent. For the entire automotive industry—manufacturers and suppliers—it‘s an enormous challenge. Polymer metal hybrids from ElringKlinger combine maximum functionality with minimum weight.
Altair Announces Nominees for 2017 Enlighten Award
The Enlighten award aims to celebrate and promote innovation in automotive lightweighting, and will be presented in partnership with the Center for Automotive Research at the 2017 CAR Management Briefing Seminars set to take place in Traverse City, Mich. from July 31-August 3.
Dayco Wins 2017 PACE™ Award for ACTIVAC™ Vacuum Generation System
Increased fuel efficiency. Lighter weight. Fewer parts. Lower costs. These factors led Dayco to win a 2017 Automotive News PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers’ Contribution to Excellence) Award for its ACTIVAC™ vacuum generation system on the 2017 Ford F-150.
ESI Launches Virtual Performance Solution — Version 2016
ESI Group has announced the latest release of Virtual Performance Solution (VPS), a solution enabling manufacturers to face emerging design challenges - including those related to lightweight and green vehicles - while avoiding over-engineering.
A Lighter Future with Thermoplastic Solutions
Answering the need of manufacturers for lightweight solutions, thermoplastic-based materials provide an array of properties that make them attractive, including low density, high strength and rigidity, and tailored thermal expansion properties with recyclability.
