Strong, Stable PET Holds SUV Mirrors
Canadian Plastics
The 2004 Dodge Durango SUV and Dakota pickup have an automotive industry first - the use of plastic for structural support of a sheet metal body panel at the body-in-white stage. Chrysler Group engineers wanted to reduce the expense and complexity...
The 2004 Dodge Durango SUV and Dakota pickup have an automotive industry first – the use of plastic for structural support of a sheet metal body panel at the body-in-white stage. Chrysler Group engineers wanted to reduce the expense and complexity of using a steel support bracket which had to be stamped, welded and then coated for corrosion resistance. The bracket is located between the inner and outer door panels, and supports the exterior mirrors.
DuPont’s Rynite polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was chosen by Chrysler engineers and DuPont as a prime candidate for this bracket because of its resistance to creep, load and torque, and its ability to withstand e-coat oven temperatures of over 350F.
The result is a new part which snaps in place quickly and accurately during assembly. Switching to this plastic part reduced engineering hours per vehicle (EHPV) by eliminating a welding cell on the assembly line, plus it weighs 86% less than the equivalent part in steel.
“The weight, cost and EHPV savings alone make this a breakthrough application,” says Sandeep Vijaywargiya, Chrysler Group truck products engineer. “The fact that this is the first use of plastic to reinforce non-crash body panels opens up a whole realm of possible automotive applications.”
DuPont Canada Inc. 800-268-3943