Title: The present and future of SMC for automotive body panels

Authors: T. Nomura, T. Yokoi, Y. Mishima

Addresses: Material Research and Development Division, Toyota Motor Corporation, 1 Toyota-cho, Toyota-shi, Aichi-ken, 471 Japan. ' Material Research and Development Division, Toyota Motor Corporation, 1 Toyota-cho, Toyota-shi, Aichi-ken, 471 Japan. ' Material Research and Development Division, Toyota Motor Corporation, 1 Toyota-cho, Toyota-shi, Aichi-ken, 471 Japan

Abstract: In Japan the development of using SMC for automotive body panels has move from the R&D stage into the stage of practical application. The following three main technical considerations are of continuing importance for development of the use of SMC in a wide variety of parts in the future: 1. improvement in quality of appearance including prevention of surface defects; 2. the achievement of sufficient weight reduction compared with steel counterparts; 3. establishment of low-cost technology.

Keywords: automotive body panels; cost reduction; in-mould coating; moulding; SMC; sheet moulding compounds; surface defects; weight reduction; car body panels; automobile industry; vehicle design; Japan; quality improvement.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.1991.036632

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 1991 Vol.6 No.2, pp.143 - 153

Published online: 05 Nov 2010 *

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