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The underbody skid plate is a protective device installed at the bottom of the vehicle, mainly used to prevent the bottom components from being hit and damaged, especially when driving off-road or in complex road conditions. Underbody skid plates are usually made of lightweight materials such as aluminum alloys or high-strength plastics to reduce weight while ensuring adequate protection. With the rise and development of electric vehicles, these materials cannot meet the protection of their underboby. A new type of material – continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites, is rapidly being applied in the new energy vehicle market.
CFRT – Continuous Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic
Continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic (CFRT) laminates are an advanced lightweight composite material. Continuous fibers are combined with thermoplastic resins to create durable, lightweight and durable prepreg tapes, which are then thermal laminated together at set angles to form CFRT sheets with improved performance. CFRT laminates are known for their excellent mechanical properties, including high strength-to-weight ratio, good impact resistance, and resistance to environmental factors such as moisture and chemicals. In addition, unlike thermosetting plastics that cannot be reused, as a thermoplastic composite material, CFRT is recyclable, reducing material waste and contributing to the sustainable development of the economy. MORE
Advantages of CFRT as Underbody Skid Plates
Thermoplastic underbody skid plates are designed to protect the bottom components of electric vehicles, especially battery packs and other important components. It can effectively prevent damage to the chassis from rocks, debris and impact. This material of underbody skid plate can improve the safety and durability of electric vehicles in rugged terrain or harsh conditions.
- Weight Reduction
One of the problems with traditional metal underbody guards is that they are heavy, which increases the overall weight of the car, affecting fuel efficiency and handling performance. In contrast, CFRT underbody guards are very light and have an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, so they can reduce the weight of the car, improve fuel economy and driving performance. This is very important for meeting increasingly stringent emission standards and improving the sustainability of vehicles.
- Corrosion Resistance
CFRT underbody guards also have excellent corrosion resistance and are not susceptible to salt water, chemicals and severe weather on the road. This means it can protect the chassis longer and reduce the frequency of vehicle maintenance and replacement.
- Safety
CFRT materials have excellent insulation properties, which is very important for electric vehicles. It ensures that the battery pack casing has good sealing and can adapt to various environmental conditions.
- Higher Economic Efficiency
CFRT underbody panels are produced from semi-finished products into finished products, further reducing costs in the process and increasing productivity. They are economically sustainable and can be recycled at the end of their service life.
- Customizability
The design flexibility of CFRT underbody guards also provides more possibilities for vehicle manufacturers. It can be customized according to different vehicle models and design requirements to achieve optimal aerodynamic performance and chassis protection.