The automotive industry utilizes extruded plastics in various components and parts due to their versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Plextrusions, Inc. can supply automotive OEMs or their suppliers with high quality parts. Here are several ways in which extruded plastics are commonly used in the automotive sector:
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Weather Seals and Gaskets: Extruded plastic profiles are commonly used as weather seals and gaskets around doors, windows, hoods, and trunks to prevent water, air, and dust from entering the vehicle's interior. These seals provide a tight and secure fit, improving overall comfort and reducing noise levels inside the vehicle.
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Trim and Molding: Extruded plastic trim and molding are used for interior and exterior applications, including door panels, dashboard components, body side moldings, and decorative trim pieces. Plastic extrusion allows for complex shapes and designs, providing aesthetic appeal while also offering impact resistance and durability.
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Hoses and Tubing: Extruded plastic hoses and tubing are utilized in various automotive systems, including coolant systems, fuel lines, brake systems, and air conditioning systems. These plastic components offer flexibility, corrosion resistance, and lightweight properties, making them ideal for conveying fluids and gases throughout the vehicle.
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Interior Components: Extruded plastics are used to manufacture a wide range of interior components, such as seat trims, console panels, instrument panels, and storage compartments. Plastic extrusion allows for the production of lightweight and durable parts with intricate designs and textures, enhancing the overall aesthetics and functionality of the vehicle's interior.
Structural Components: Some automotive manufacturers use extruded plastic profiles to create lightweight structural components, such as support beams, reinforcements, and panels. These plastic components offer high strength-to-weight ratios and can be designed to meet specific performance requirements, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and vehicle performance. -
Exterior Body Panels: In some cases, extruded plastics are used to manufacture exterior body panels, such as bumpers, fenders, and side skirts. Plastic extrusion allows for the production of lightweight and impact-resistant panels that can help reduce vehicle weight and improve fuel efficiency while also providing protection against minor impacts and scratches.
The automotive industry relies on extruded plastics for a wide range of applications, including weather seals, trim and molding, hoses and tubing, interior components, structural components, and exterior body panels. The use of extruded plastics helps automotive manufacturers achieve cost savings, design flexibility, and improved performance in their vehicles.
