In the quest for 100+ mpg cars, the weight needs to decrease, and it is no suprise composites will help do this. AutoBlog.com reports on Aptera’s new concept car and it notes that they are using composite sandwich panels in the construction.
Last I heard, Aptera was one of the final nine cars still in the running for the Automotive X-Prize competition. Good luck Aptera, if you win, I am sure it is because of the composite sandwich panels…
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There is a recent article in Reinforced Plastics discussing the latest advances in composite sandwich panel core technology. It discusses bio-based materials, new foams, and hi-temp thermoplastic honeycombs.
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Recreation vehicles, RVs, are a good indicator for the health of the economy. RV sales show strength in consumer spending, consumer confidence, and availability of financing.
Sandwich panel manufacturer AZDEL recently announced that with the recent upswing in RV demand, they have increased their capacity to 20 million pounds (100 million sqft). Source
By my calculations, this means their panels are weighing an average of 5lbs a square foot, which is a seriously robust panel… With weight being so important in transportation, perhaps new materials will soon help Azdel shed some of the extra pounds.
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