DAIMLER / TORAY
Agreement to jointly develop carbon fibre reinforced plastics components / Serial production to be launched in three years' time
Following the example of BMW, Germany's Daimler (Stuttgart; www.daimler.com) also has entered the field of carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRPs) in an effort to reduce the weight of serially manufactured vehicles. Still, Daimler’s foray is more cautious, making do for now with signing a declaration of intent for a joint development agreement with Toray Industries (Tokyo / Japan; www.toray.com). Under the terms of the deal, serial production of the first components to be used in the “Mercedes” will begin in three years’ time. A Daimler spokeswoman told Plasteurope.com that the components initially would be used in luxury vehicles but that they also might find usage in the “A class”.
With a total capacity of 25,000 t/y, Toray is the world’s largest manufacturer of carbon fibres. The dowry of the Japanese company comes in the shape of its proprietary “High Cycle Resin Transfer Molding” technology as well as its contribution to developing new materials. By contrast, Daimler has been tasked with overseeing the automotive aspects and with integrating the CFRPs into the assembly process.
With a total capacity of 25,000 t/y, Toray is the world’s largest manufacturer of carbon fibres. The dowry of the Japanese company comes in the shape of its proprietary “High Cycle Resin Transfer Molding” technology as well as its contribution to developing new materials. By contrast, Daimler has been tasked with overseeing the automotive aspects and with integrating the CFRPs into the assembly process.
 Final assembly of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren at the McLaren Technology Centre in the UK. Several body parts, including the doors and the hood, are made of CFRP. (Photo: Daimler) |
CFRPs are currently found in only one Daimler model – the “Mercedes SLR McLaren”, manufactured by McLaren Composites in Portsmouth / UK. Vehicles that come off this small production line have their floorings, roof linings, wings and engine hoods made of carbon fibre reinforced plastics.
Just like its competitors – including SGL Carbon and Zoltek – Toray is trying to strengthen the role CFRPs play in the automotive market. The Japanese group already took steps in this direction in 2008 and 2009, when it established its “Automotive Centre” and “Advanced Composite Centre”, both located in Nagoya / Japan.
Just like its competitors – including SGL Carbon and Zoltek – Toray is trying to strengthen the role CFRPs play in the automotive market. The Japanese group already took steps in this direction in 2008 and 2009, when it established its “Automotive Centre” and “Advanced Composite Centre”, both located in Nagoya / Japan.
18.05.2010 Plasteurope.com [216237]
Published on 18.05.2010
German version of this article...