GRP panels for vehicle floors, bodywork and load compartments
In trucks, buses, trailers and special vehicles, weight affects both fuel consumption and payload. Byggkomposit supplies GRP panels and profiles with low self-weight and corrosion resistance.
In the automotive industry, weight is a central design parameter. Lower weight can contribute to lower fuel consumption, higher payload and, in electrified vehicles, longer range per charge. At the same time, the material needs to handle everyday loading, salted winter roads, impacts from loading and cleaning with high-pressure water and chemicals. GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) is used today as an alternative to sheet metal and plywood in this type of application.
Byggkomposit supplies GRP panels and profiles to the automotive industry, bodybuilders and special vehicle manufacturers. The material is used as floor and wall panels in load spaces, as cladding in buses, as bodywork on trucks and as structural details in trailers. Because GRP is corrosion resistant, the risk of rust damage caused by salted winter roads and moisture is reduced.
Properties relevant to the automotive industry
Six properties often compared between fibreglass panels and sheet metal or plywood.
Low self-weight
GRP panels have a lower self-weight than sheet metal and plywood, which can contribute to lower fuel consumption and higher payload.
Impact- and wear-resistant
Withstands daily loading, scratches and knocks. Actual strength should be assessed against the specific panel construction and loading.
Corrosion resistant
Does not rust when exposed to salted winter roads, rain or moisture in the load space.
Can often be repaired locally
Minor damage can in many cases be repaired with a composite repair kit instead of replacing the whole panel.
Electrically neutral
The material does not conduct electricity, which is relevant in modern electric and hybrid vehicles. EMC impact should be assessed per vehicle system.
Formable
Pultruded and moulded sections give even surfaces that can be colour-matched as needed.
Applications in the automotive sector
Trucks and bodywork
On trucks and bodywork, GRP panels are used for walls, roofs and floors in box and refrigerated bodies. The material gives a smooth interior with low self-weight intended to handle daily loading and unloading. Because GRP does not rust, problems with rust damage at the base of the body are reduced.
Buses and public transport
In buses, GRP panels are used in floors, walls and ceiling fit-out. Low self-weight can be decisive for electric buses, where every kilo affects range. An anti-slip composite floor provides a gritted anti-slip surface for passengers.
Trailers and special vehicles
Trailers and special vehicles for construction, agriculture and emergency services can benefit from GRP. Low self-weight can increase payload, while the material is resistant to chemicals, brine and detergents; actual resistance should be verified against the relevant medium.
Electrification and future vehicles
The electrification of heavy vehicles drives demand for materials with low self-weight that are electrically neutral. GRP products can suit battery-driven designs where weight is an important factor, but any EMC impact should be assessed per vehicle system.
Lower weight, longer service life
For vehicle manufacturers, bodybuilders and vehicle owners, GRP panels can contribute to both weight savings and a lower maintenance requirement over time. We help you specify the right panel or profile type for your vehicle project based on the relevant requirements.
Want to explore Dura Composites' global reference projects in automotive? Read more about GRP in automotive at Dura Composites (opens in a new tab).
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