Automotive

The pace of change within the automotive industry is growing at the fastest rate in its history. A generation ago, it would have been unbelievable to think that in the space of 20 years, modern SUVs could reach speeds that 1990s supercars could reach, and still be able to stop and turn a corner. This rate of change simply could not have advanced so rapidly were it not for the adoption of space age materials and manufacturing processes to offset evermore stringent environmental and safety laws. Due to this ingenuity, automotive manufacturers have been able to offer mass-market access to what was only recently race car technology. Carbon Fibre monocoque chassis, performance hybrid propulsion systems, and carbon/ceramic composite brakes allow modern hypercars to achieve performance - and safety - levels their recent forebears could only have dreamed of. 

 

The requirements of materials used in automotive manufacture have also developed apace. Modern bodyshells are formed from exotic extrusions which, whilst not only being lightweight, also absorb and dissipate vast amounts of energy in the event of a collision. Cast iron engine blocks have largely been replaced with aluminium alloys to reduce weight, whilst withstanding temperatures they couldn't before, and forged alloy wheels are becoming de rigeur on performance cars as a way of representing a design language whilst, again, saving weight.

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The materials and applications on this page are listed solely as a guide and do not reflect the limit of our supply, or the uses of said materials. If you have a specific application for which you need particular materials, please do not hesitate to contact us.