Transportation End Use Applications

Abstract

The transportation industry is the largest consumer of engineering plastics, both as thermoplastics and as thermosets. This industry is also the testing ground for new products and processes, and a leading indicator of plastics usage in other industries. The safe and cost-effective transportation of people and goods is vital to the global economy. As modern modes of transportation have evolved to meet increasing demands for safety, environmental protection, and speed, the use of ­plastics in transportation manufacturing has grown considerably. All forms of transportation require energy to operate and fuel represents a significant part of operating costs. Reducing vehicle weight be it cars, airplanes, boats, or trains can cut fuel consumption dramatically. Used in the service of vehicle exterior parts, plastics are durable, do not corrode, and require little maintenance. They allow a unique freedom of design and the parts are fast and economical to manufacture. In vehicle interior applications, the various plastics fittings, such as, flooring, seats, dashboards, and paneling maintain their attractive appearance and are easy to clean. Durable, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant plastics offer fuel savings, design flexibility, and high performance at lower costs to designers facing today’s complex transportation needs.