Update: New Trends in the Plastic Automotive Component Manufacturing Sector

As we enter the new decade, the plastic automotive component manufacturing industry is expected to continue to grow. Manufacturers are adopting new techniques and researchers are developing sophisticated compounds. These solutions will continue to replace traditional metal and steel components as they become more important to OEM vehicle manufacturers. This article is updating our 2019 Plastic Manufacturing Trends in Automotive Production blog.

Estimates suggest that the automotive plastics market will reach $68.58 billion by 2025. The industry will benefit from drives to improve fuel-efficiency, transitioning away from fossil fuels, and favorable regulations from state and national governments in the future. The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and improved electronics in automobiles will drive the sector to new heights in the coming decade.

Changes in the Plastic Manufacturing Industry for Automotive Components

Companies like Tesla proved the viability of manufacturing EVs at large scale without compromising on performance or quality. The company continues to increase its product range, which has led to other manufacturers redoubling their efforts to produce similar products. At the same time, new regulations that will come into effect are changing how manufacturers design and construct fossil fuel vehicles.

Consumers expect greater efficiency from their transport systems. They also want to know that the products and services they use are sustainable by reducing their negative impact on the planet. This shift in consumer trends has a direct impact on the plastic automotive component manufacturing industry. Here are three of the latest trends shaping the future of automotive component manufacturing.

1. Increased Demand for Plastic Automotive Components

Plastic, due to its versatility, has become the preferred raw material for all types of components used in automobiles. Modern compounds can deliver the same strength and reliability as metal or steel parts while significantly reducing weight. Similar to our update in 2018, the adoption of plastic components for automotive manufacturing will continue to increase as new applications become available to OEMs.

2. Expanded Adoption of Under the Hood Plastics

Traditionally, most manufacturers used plastic components for trim and finishing in the interior of vehicles. The improvements in plastic thermal press solutions provide manufacturers with new capabilities to produce under the hood components. According to the Center for Automotive Research, by 2040 plastics and composites will make up 15% of the raw materials used in new vehicles.

3. Enhanced Manufacturing Techniques Will Drive New Innovations

To adopt new material strategies, manufacturers will have to adopt the latest technologies in their production facilities. This could include industrial 3D printing platforms, advanced molding and thermal press techniques, and additive manufacturing processes. A major part of this trend will require developing joining technologies for multi-material usage strategies.

Stay Ahead of the Competition with Automotive Manufacturing Solutions from Thermal Press

At Thermal Press, we take quality, consistency, and reliability seriously. Our products provide plastic automotive component manufacturers with a competitive advantage through using our thermal press plastic assembly technologies. For companies that need a superior manufacturing platform that consistently delivers, Thermal Press can assist.

Tags: automotive component assembly, plastic assembly, thermal press