The Heavy Truck Market Relies on Thermoset Composites for High Strength-to-Weight Ratio

Under-the-hood components in the heavy truck industry are subjected to high temperature, corrosive substances, and physical abuse, yet they are expected to last for the projected life cycle of the vehicle, which can often be measured in decades rather than years.

Rising costs for die-cast aluminum, zinc, and magnesium, along with new emissions regulations and increasing performance requirements are causing many design engineers and manufacturers to convert to Bulk Molding Compound (BMC) and Sheet Molding Compound (SMC) for many under-the-hood components in the heavy truck industry.

The unique physical properties of BMC and SMC make them the perfect metal replacement alternative for these applications. Thermoset composite materials have a high strength-to-weight ratio and an excellent NVH (Noise Vibration Harshness) rating, making them effective in dampening normal harmonic vibration. The use of thermoset composites for the heavy truck industry include:

• Heat resistance: maintain dimensional control when exposed to engine heat;
• Corrosion resistance: withstand corrosive substances commonly found in under-the-hood applications;
• Lightweight: up to 35 percent lighter that steel parts of equal strength;
• Parts consolidation: allow manufacturers to reduce the number of components required for a given assembly.

Valve covers, timing chain covers, oil drain pans, and intake manifolds are just a few of the under-the-hood components benefiting from the use of thermoset composites in the heavy truck industry.