Automotive exterior parts are the component systems that use the most plastic materials in automobiles. Commonly used exterior materials include engineering plastics such as PP (polypropylene), ABS, ASA, POM (polyoxymethylene), PA (nylon), PC (polycarbonate), and PE (polyethylene) and their composites. The material selection varies depending on the specific component.
Automotive bumper systems include front and rear bumpers. The materials used in plastic bumpers generally fall into two categories: polyester and polypropylene, and the molding process is typically injection molding. Air intake grilles generally use materials such as PC/ABS, electroplated PC/ABS, ASA, electroplated ABS, AES, and heat-resistant ABS. Exterior rearview mirror housings can use materials such as heat-resistant ABS, PC/ABS, ASA, and PBT+GF. Pillar trim panels generally use materials such as PC/ABS, ASA, M-PMMA, and AES. Side skirts are recommended to use PP+Mineral composite materials. Wheel caps generally use materials such as PC/ABS, electroplated PC/ABS, heat-resistant ABS, electroplated ABS, and PA/PPE. Luggage racks can be made of materials such as PC/PBT, PC/ASA, PC/ABS, and ASA. Sealing strips are generally made of materials such as EPDM rubber, PVC, and thermoplastic elastomers.
Lightweighting is an irreversible trend in the exterior trim industry. In terms of material substitution, modified plastics (such as PP, ABS, and other composite materials) are comprehensively replacing traditional metal materials due to their low density and high degree of molding freedom. Regarding process upgrades, advancements in injection molding, skin molding, and foaming processes allow exterior parts to achieve more complex shapes and thinner walls while maintaining strength. Furthermore, innovative sustainable materials such as lightweight bumpers using carbon fiber composites and hemp fiber nylon (PA6) composites being used in automotive exterior parts have emerged.