Visteon Engineers Outline Benefits of Thermoplastic Composites For Automotive Use

    DEARBORN, Mich., March 14 The benefits of using
thermoplastic composites for automotive throttle body applications was the
topic presented by several Visteon engineers to the Society of
Automotive Engineers (SAE) 2001 World Congress last week.
    (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001201/DEF008LOGO )
    Historically, throttle bodies, which control airflow to the engine, have
been made from machined die cast aluminum.  Research behind Visteon's
technical paper, titled "Lightweight Thermoplastic Composite Throttle Bodies
for Car and Truck Applications," illustrated how replacing these metal systems
with lightweight thermoplastics can be more beneficial in demanding under-hood
applications.
    "One of the fundamental challenges automotive engineers face is finding
ways to cut total system costs and the overall weight of today's vehicles,"
said Mike Rabideau, a Visteon Senior Plastics Engineer.  "Lightweight
thermoplastics meet both of these requirements, which is why we designed
thermoplastic throttle bodies."
    The paper outlined many additional advantages of using thermoplastic
composite for throttle body applications including: increased design
flexibility enabling improved throttle body functionality; improved throttle
body packaging in the engine compartment; reduction in throttle body assembly
weight, improving vehicle fuel economy; simplified manufacturing process and
reduction in required manufacturing floor space and flow paths; reduction in
in-process inventories and scrap; reduction in direct labor; and reduction in
overall tooling costs, including tooling wear.
    Visteon Corporation is a leading full-service supplier that delivers
consumer-driven technology solutions to automotive manufacturers worldwide and
through multiple channels within the global automotive aftermarket.  Visteon
has 80,000 employees and a global delivery system of more than 130 technical,
manufacturing, sales, and service facilities located in 25 countries.