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CSP's TCA Ultra Lite composite used in Chevrolet car panel

27 Jul '15

2 min read

TCA Ultra Lite material, a Class A body panel composite material, by Continental Structural Plastics (CSP), the global leader in lightweight composite solutions, is used in the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette.

The use of TCA Ultra Lite results in a 20 lb (9 kg) weight savings on the Stingray Coupe model. This is the first production use of CSP's Ultra Lite advanced composite. The mass savings afforded by TCA Ultra Lite is accomplished through the use of a CSP-patented technology that uses treated glass bubbles to replace some of the Calcium Carbonate filler, resulting in a lighter density material. On the C7, a total of 21 body panel assemblies, including doors, decklids, quarter panels and fenders, are moulded from TCA Ultra Lite, according to a press release.

Christopher Basela, lead engineer for Corvette Body Composites said, “Through a joint continuous improvement effort, Chevrolet and CSP have significantly reduced the density of the Corvette body panels ranging from 1.9 specific gravity for model year 2013, to 1.6 specific gravity for the 2014 model year, and to 1.2 for the 2016 model year.”

When combined with CSP's patented vacuum and bonding manufacturing processes, TCA Ultra Lite offers a premium Class A finish with paint and gloss qualities comparable to metals, including aluminium. The material is able to withstand the E-coat process, and passes all OEM paint tests. It also offers reduced costs at all volumes – and for production volumes fewer than 150,000, tooling costs for composites can be as much as 50 to 70 per cent less than those for stamping steel or aluminium.

CSP Chairman and CEO Frank Macher said, “We have been working closely with GM to launch this patented, weight-saving technology on the iconic Corvette, achieving this conversion with no changes in material thickness or tooling while maintaining the superior surface finish required for this premium vehicle. With this successful launch, we can say TCA Ultra Lite is proven to offer several advantages over aluminium, and is truly the next generation of lightweighting technology for the automotive industry.” (GK)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk - India