The future of plastics in automotive manufacturing

In February's print and online coverage, Plastics Machinery & Manufacturing has been exploring the role of plastics in the automotive industry's future and the supply-chain crisis that is complicating the present. Did you miss any of these stories?

Self-driving cars and other pioneering technologies will be inextricably linked to advanced plastic materials that fuel sustainability, safety and durability. 

Experts stress the importance of communications, digital planning and monitoring tools as the automotive manufacturing industry powers through supply chain difficulties. 

Plastics offer 35 percent weight reduction compared to aluminum, and provide temperature and corrosion-resistance properties for EV battery manufacturing. 

Problem Solved: Tier 2 supplier Team 1 Plastics has gained flexibility with the addition of a 495-ton Sodick press, the largest in its stable. 

The growth in electric vehicles has fueled the market for Entek’s battery separators. 

Talking Points: The semiconductor shortage has hit manufacturers hard. Intel’s plan to bring production to the U.S. will shorten this essential supply chain. 

Consultants urge predictability and simplicity in managing supply chain challenges. 

As extreme weather events cause disruptions, leaders in the supply chain industry are focusing on circularity and sustainability. 

The recent turmoil in resin pricing and availability could inspire changes in an era of just-in-time-manufacturing. 

Lax maintenance caused by COVID-19 and the labor shortage is believed to be behind a spike in factory fires during the pandemic, which has further snarled the supply chain. 

Branson’s new ultrasonic plastic welding mode enables auto parts manufacturers to weld despite embedded sensors and electronics.