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Magna brings carbon fiber composites into vehicle structure with innovative subframe
Magna brings carbon fiber composites into vehicle structure with innovative subframe ...
About this update from Magna International Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"\n\n\n\nMagna brings carbon fiber composites into vehicle structure with innovative subframe\n\n/* Style Definitions */\nspan.prnews_span\n{\nfont-size:8pt;\nfont-family:\"Arial\";\ncolor:black;\n}\na.prnews_a\n{\ncolor:blue;\n}\nli.prnews_li\n{\nfont-size:8pt;\nfont-family:\"Arial\";\ncolor:black;\n}\np.prnews_p\n{\nfont-size:0.62em;\nfont-family:\"Arial\";\ncolor:black;\nmargin:0in;\n}\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCanada NewsWire\nSAILAUF, Germany, March 14, 2017\n\n\n\n\nCollaborative R&D project with Ford Motor Company \nConcept design yields 34 percent mass reduction; 87 percent reduction in number of parts \nPrototypes now undergoing vehicle-level testing\n\n\n\nSAILAUF, Germany, March 14, 2017 /CNW/ - In pursuit of lower vehicle weight to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency, Magna International Inc., in cooperation with Ford Motor Company, developed a prototype carbon fiber composite subframe which reduces mass by 34 percent compared to making a stamped steel equivalent.\n\n\n \n \n\n \nBy replacing 45 steel parts with two molded and four metallic parts, the prototype subframe achieves a dramatic 87 percent reduction in the number of parts. The moldings are joined by adhesive bonding and structural rivets.\n\nThe carbon fiber subframe is the result of a research and development project between Magna and Ford to investigate potential mass-reduction benefits and technical challenges of using carbon fiber-reinforced composites in chassis applications. The subframe is a key part of a vehicle's structure, typically providing a place to attach the engine and wheels while also contributing rigidity and crash management.\n\n\"When we are able to work in close partnership with a customer at the beginning of their design and engineering processes, it's an opportunity to bring our full Magna capabilities to bear,\" said Grahame Burrow, President of Magna Exteriors, speaking at JEC World 2017 in Paris. \"We are able to take a clean-sheet approach with design, materials and processing, collaborate with the customer and within our product groups, and deliver a solution with the potential to really move the needle in terms of aggressive lightweighting without sacrificing styling or performance.\"\n\nMagna's engineering team – a collaborative effort between the company's body & chassis and exteriors product groups –...