ContiTech Vibration Control and chemical producer BASF, both of them based in Germany, have introduced plastic transmission crossbeam in the rear axle for Mercedes-Benz’s S-Class vehicles leading to weight reduction by around a quarter.
Touted to be the first-of-its-kind across the world, the plastic substance has been derived from BASF's specialty polyamide Ultramid A3WG10 CR, capable of bearing high mechanical loads as it is reinforced 50% with glass fiber.
The material, which is part of the rear axe, backs the component of the torque transferred from engine to transmission, shouldering a share of the load constantly.
In keeping with the latest crash requirements, the transmission crossbeam could retain its mechanical properties at high temperature zones, as against those forged from die-cast aluminum.
Ultrasim, a simulation program from BASF, was stated to have played an important role for its development.
ContiTech Vibration Control head Kai Fruehauf said: "The new rear axle transmission crossbeam is a milestone in the use of polyamides in the chassis. It has the potential to set a new trend in the automotive industry.
"In order to replace metal with high-performance plastics, it is necessary to make optimum use of the material and adapt it to the particular load situations, as BASF has demonstrated in the development of Ultramid for the transmission crossbeam."
