Hybrid metal-plastic technology is a Lanxess developed method for manufacturing lightweight structural components.

It has been used for many years to make auto parts like front ends, pedal boxes, and brake pedals. This hybrid technology includes polyamide 6 reinforced with fiberglass for injection molding, as well as a sheet of steel or aluminum as a metal component.

The company now extends the use of this technology to hollow metal profiles with round or rectangular cross sections, “which show significantly greater dimensional stability as well as greater torsional strength and rigidity,” explained Lukas Schröer, project manager for lightweight structures. in the High Performance Materials (HPM) business unit.

This new development offers potential for use with other structural components with high mechanical demands. “With regard to the lightweight components of the car, we are thinking about the structures of the seats, the fronts, the rear doors and the mirror mounts in the trucks. But we also see potential for this technology in the manufacture of furniture, stairs and strollers, ”confirmed Schröer.