Have you ever thought about the long process it took to manufacturer the vehicle you drive on a daily basis? Probably not. Most people do not consider the hundreds of thousands of parts, the hours of labor, and the composite manufacturing that it takes to produce one vehicle. Even an employee on the line of a large vehicle manufacturer may not completely understand the lengthy and complex process. One of the first parts of the vehicle engineering composite manufacturing process involves designing a vehicle. There are a few factors that are considered during this process.
A functional vehicle Overall, the vehicle that you drive needs to be functional. In other words, it needs to make sense. It needs to provide you with the ability to get from point A to point B, while also making you feel safe and comfortable. Depending on the maker of the vehicle, different functions and amenities may be added with the purpose of competing for your business. However, the basic composite manufacturing will be similar, producing a vehicle that is fully functional.
Safe When operated correctly, vehicles are one of the safest modes of transportation. During the composite engineering process, an entire team of engineers are working on the safety standards of the vehicle. This might include heavier materials to prevent damage during an accident or better road traction features. The specific safety features that appeal the most to you are likely to be important in your deciding factor when purchasing a new vehicle.
Fuel efficiency Although some vehicles are not engineered with the best fuel ratings, the majority of vehicles are. People want an affordable vehicle that is also cost effective to fuel. Advanced composites can change up the fuel ratings of a vehicle. Within the automotive industry, meeting Corporate Average Efficiency (CAE) standards of 36.6 mpg by 2017 and 54.5 mpg by 2025 provides impetus for using lightweight materials. Generally, the lighter the weight is of the composite molding materials, the less gas the vehicle requires to run. A balance needs to be found to ensure that the vehicle is both safe and fuel efficient.
Quality lasting People tend to purchase vehicles that hold their value for longer. They usually last longer and require less repairs. Composite manufacturing is important in this process, because of their functionality. Composites do not ruse or corrode. There are many examples of glass fiber reinforced polymer ductwork being in service in chemical manufacturing plants (and the air pollution control, chemical processing, food and beverage, solid waste landfill and water and wastewater treatment industries) for more than 25 years, operating in harsh chemical environments 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Simple to repair Another important factors that consumers look for when vehicle shopping is the ability to repair their vehicle. Foreign made vehicles that require parts from out of the country are often more expensive and timely to repair, causing more vehicle consumers to choose manufacturers in the country. The consumer is also more aware of the specific items, such as radiation shielding materials that are used in their vehicle of choice. For example, the Chevrolet Corvette has been built with FRP composites since 1953. That year, 300 Corvettes were manufactured, and more than two thirds are still around today.
A lot goes into the auto making process. Even more planning and engineering goes into the design part of the process. Auto makers need to find a vehicle that is fuel efficient, cost effective to repair, safe, functional, and contains long lasting materials. For these reasons, some auto makers take many years before they are ready to begin the production of a previously planned automobile.