This image was created with artificial intelligence – marked under Art. 50 of the AI Act, Regulation (EU) 2024/1689. It is a placeholder until the company's photos arrive.Successful plastic application in the automotive industry
Discover how modern automotive plastics such as PEEK are revolutionising vehicle engineering.
The automotive industry is undergoing change: electrification, lightweight construction and sustainability are placing new demands on materials and designs. In this context, automotive plastics are becoming increasingly important. They replace traditional materials such as steel or aluminium and at the same time offer new possibilities in design, function and efficiency.
Why plastics have become indispensable in cars
Compared with metals, plastics offer numerous advantages: they are lighter, corrosion-resistant, flexible to mould and often more cost-effective to process. In the automotive industry they therefore make a decisive contribution to reducing vehicle weight – a key factor for lower fuel consumption and greater range in electric vehicles.
The most important plastics in automotive engineering
A wide range of engineering plastics are used in modern vehicles. Some of the most important representatives are:
| Plastic | Properties | Typical areas of application |
|---|---|---|
| PP (polypropylene) | light, chemical-resistant | bumpers, interior trim |
| PA (polyamide) | high strength, thermally stable | air intake modules, engine components |
| POM (polyoxymethylene) | good sliding and wear values | key units, window regulators |
| PEEK (polyetheretherketone) | extremely temperature- & chemical-resistant | high-performance components in the drivetrain |
PEEK applications: high performance for engine, transmission and more
PEEK is one of the most powerful plastics of all and is used where other materials reach their limits. In the automotive industry, PEEK applications are in particular demand in the high-temperature range and under heavy mechanical load.
Typical PEEK applications in automotive engineering:
- bearing bushes and seals in engines
- transmission components such as gears or thrust rings
- insulation elements in electric drive systems
- sensor housings and connecting elements with chemical contact
Thanks to its temperature resistance up to 250 °C, its outstanding friction properties and long service life, PEEK is made for demanding environments.
Plastic in all vehicle areas
The use of automotive plastics extends across almost all vehicle areas: from the interior through the exterior to drive systems and electronic components. This versatility makes plastics a central material in modern vehicle development.
Requirements for modern vehicle plastics
Automotive plastics must not only be light, but also withstand high demands. They must be resistant to extreme temperatures, oils, fuels and mechanical loads while at the same time remaining UV- and weather-resistant. Modern materials such as PEEK, PA or POM reliably meet these requirements and often also offer advantages in recyclability.
Plastic and sustainability: a contradiction?
Although plastics are often associated with environmental problems, automotive plastics can make a positive ecological contribution:
- weight reduction lowers CO2 emissions over the service life
- thermoplastics are recyclable and reusable
- longevity reduces the need for spare parts
Particularly in interaction with new vehicle concepts (e.g. electric cars), plastic plays a central role on the path to sustainable mobility.
Future trends: lightweight construction, e-mobility and new materials
The demands on vehicle plastics will continue to rise. The focus is on ultra-light components, high-voltage-compatible materials for electromobility, material combinations (e.g. plastic-metal hybrids) and integrated functions to reduce the number of components. PEEK and other high-performance polymers provide the necessary prerequisites to master future challenges as well.
Conclusion: plastic as a success factor in vehicle engineering
Plastics have not only established themselves in the automotive industry, but are indispensable today. Thanks to their versatility, performance and efficiency, they make a decisive contribution to technological progress. PEEK applications in particular impressively demonstrate the potential that modern plastics offer for demanding areas of application. The future of mobility is light, flexible – and made of plastic.
