ContiTech Vibration Control has developed a strut mount in which fiberglass-reinforced BASF Ultramid polyamide is also used as the primary structural component. ContiTech is claiming this as a ‘first’ for strut mounts made of this material. The part will make its debut on the Cadillac CT6, which will come to market late-2015.
The German company is also claiming a weight reduction of around 25% in comparison to an aluminium version of the component, with a longer service life.
“High-performance plastics are the material of the future in the automotive industry,” commented Kai Frühauf, head of ContiTech Vibration Control. “Thanks to our many years of experience and extensive materials expertise, we are among the top partners when it comes to innovative new developments with this material. This strut mount designed for passenger car bodies represents another step forward.”
The new two-section, three-path bearing from ContiTech comprises both fiberglass-reinforced polyamide and aluminum components and can withstand shock loading as high as 75 kN.
