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Structural Components

The composites GMT and GMTex developed by Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials Composites make it possible to replace structural and semi-structural vehicle parts made of metal with lighter, fabric-reinforced composite components.

These innovative materials are already firmly established in large-series production. Among others, bumper brackets, battery cases and even body parts like the front end are made from GMT or GMTex.

The composite-only solution without additional steel reinforcement in series production is possible because the reinforced thermoplastic composite materials display extremely good material properties in terms of rigidity, strength, dimensional stability and crash performance.

The use of GMT and GMTex always yields weight savings, fewer production steps in series production and greater design freedom.

Applications in Europe

Front Seat Structure Front-End Belly Pan

Bentley Continental

Material: GMT

Part Information: Dimension: 550 x 480 x 150 mm (1.5 kg)
                               Dimension: 800 x 470 x 220 mm (2.3 kg)
                               Weight: 7.5 kg per set of 2 seats
                               Thickness: 3 mm

Functions:

very high stiffness
light weight
Absorption of crash loads
fixation for textile liner
anti-submarie function
safety belt guides

Technology: One-step-moulding

Advantages:

very good toughness behaviour
very good tensile bending properties
ductile failure; robust handling

Mercedes S-Class Coupé

Material: GMTex

Part Information: Weight 3.4 kg (all three parts)
Dimension: 1560 x 460 x 250 mm
Thickness 3-25 mm

Functions:

Fixation of hood (6000N test force)
Fixation of radiator and lamp housings
Controlled engergy absorption
Good dampening behaviour

Technologies:

Flow moulding
Holes partly stamped in during molding/
others machined after molding
Inserts and steel bushes pressed in after molding

Advantages:

Part integration, 10 sheets metal parts -> 3 GMTex parts
high stiffness and dimensional stability
good fatigue behaviour up to 130° C
Weight reduction
Corrosion resistance

Mercedes C-Class

Material: GMT

Part Information: Weight: 1.3 kg
Dimensions: 1250 x 415 mm
Thickness: 2.2 mm

Functions:

Engine protectioin
Lower stiffener for pedestrian protection

Advantages:

Improvement of NVH
Improvement aerodynamics

Applications in Japan

Fuel Tank Cover Engine Under Shield Back Door Inner

Toyota Harrier Hybrid

Material: GMT

Part Information: Dimensions: 1150 x 610 x 120 mm
Thickness: 2.0 mm
Weight: 1520 g

Advantages:

Improvement of aerodynamic property
Weight reduction
Less fixation points due to high stiffness
Protection for fuel tank
Design freedom

Mitsubishi Colt

Material: GMT

Part Information: Dimensions: 1030 x 250 x 740 mm
Thickness: 2 mm
Weight: 770 g

Advantages:

Improvement of aerodynamic property
Weight reduction
Less fixation points due to high stiffness
Protection for engine
Design freedom
Noise shielding property

Nissan Inifiti FX45

Material: GMT/ GMTex

Part Information: Dimensions: 1450 x 1050 x 380 mm
Thickness: 3.0 mm
Weight: 6.265 kg

Advantages:

Parts integration
Design freedom
Excellent impact property
Weight reduction
High stiffness
Function integration

Battery Tray 1 Battery Tray 2

Mitsubishi i-MiEV

Material: Tray / Cover - GMT

Part Information: Tray
                               Dimension: 1380 x 700 mm
                               Thickness: 3-17 mm
                               Cover
                               Dimension: 1400 x 720 mm
                               Thickness: 3 mm

Functions: