19 November 1998: North American automakers, driven by ongoing demand for more efficient and higher performing vehicles, used 56% more fibre glass in 1997 than they did during 1990, according to a rec…
19 November 1998: North American automakers, driven by ongoing demand for more efficient and higher performing vehicles, used 56% more fibre glass in 1997 than they did during 1990, according to a recent press report. A 7% increase is expected for 1998. In 1997, 352 million lbs. of fibre glass reinforcements for plastic were consumed for automotive applications compared with only 226 million lbs. in 1990, according to PPG Industries (PPG), the world“s second largest producer of fibre glass. The total for 1998 is likely to be about 377 million lbs. Preliminary estimates show an additional growth of 19% by 2000. Relying heavily on fibre glass reinforced plastics, or composites, automakers are challenging producers and parts manufacturers to develop more advanced applications. To meet the challenge, PPG developed ChopVantage 3660 and MaxiChop 3662 fibre glasses for reinforcing nylon, which contributes to tripling the life of plastic parts. Flexibility is an added feature and it also helps fuel efficiency. PPG fibre glass is being used with braided sleeving and wire wrapping for protection from extreme temperatures. PPG is a major supplier of a variety of products for the global automotive industry. About 20% of worldwide demand for fibre glass plastic reinforcements is met each year by PPG plants.