Automotive & Transportation

Astar works closely with the automotive and transportation industries. Our SMC and BMC materials are used for a wide range of automotive, bus, truck, agriculture, train, tram and underground parts, from headlamp housings to exterior body panels, under-the-hood components, heat-shielding components, structural parts, cosmetic components, seats, interior panels, doorframes, etc. The main automobile manufacturers include on their vehicles parts made of Astar’s materials.

Benefits of SMC/BMC in Automotive & Transportation applications:

  • Design freedom (complex geometries and integration not possible in metals)
  • System cost saving potential compared to steel, with lower tooling costs for shorter series
  • Customization and speed to market are easier and faster with SMC/BMC
  • SMC / steel / aluminium hybrids are fully compatible
  • Weight savings with excellent strength/stiffness
  • Permeability of electromagnetic waves for antenna systems
  • Function Integration (e.g. antenna systems can be hidden between inner and outer panel shells)
  • Parts Integration (e.g. single technical section can replace >20 individual metal parts)
  • Class A surface with same appearance as steel parts
  • On-line paintability
  • Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion (CLTE) comparable to steel and aluminum
  • Retention of properties after paint and thermal treatments
  • Excellent sound dampening properties, substantially better than aluminium
  • Engineered crash performance
  • Mass coloured
  • Resistance to corrosion from hot oil, petrol, coolants, brake fluid, glycols or road salts
  • High heat resistance makes SMC/BMC suitable for underbonnet parts, headlamp reflectors and sunroof frames and assemblies
  • Excellent electrical insulating properties
  • Flame retardant and low smoke systems compliant with the highest standards
  • Unlike thermoplastics, SMC/BMC does not melt or release burning droplets which spread fire
  • Halogen-free formulations mean extremely low smoke and low toxicity
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.