Plastic – Allrounder in Automotive Engineering

(Düsseldorf, 02/23/2017) Plastic retains it’s major role in a future world of automotive construction. This multi-talent offers suitable and effective system solutions for design and manufacturing. On March 29-30, 2017 in Mannheim, the VDI will be holding the international conference “Plastics in Automotive Engineering”. Leading Experts of this field will present trends, challenges and perspectives of the industry. 

The event is widely known as the most important meeting place for the automotive industry.
With more than 1300 participants, over 80 speaker and around 100 exhibitors it offers an ideal platform to exchange ideas and information towards current developments. The two-day conference will focus in particular on lightweight design concepts for exterior and interior, networking in development processes, sustainability and  CO2 reduction.

Innovative injection molding procedures reduce weight in the interieur. The so-called Slush-technology allows a very high contour precision by the use of melted pvc-powder.
Manufacturers are able to reduce weight in the exterior using aerodynamic sub-parts. Therefore, lightweight design can not only reduce costs but also CO2.
That is why sustainability and recycling are major issues of the conference. The use of recyclates describes second-hand plastic components which are recycled to new plastic parts. In this way, an old bumper finds its new purpose as a wheel housing.

Innovative hybrid modules, consisting of a mix of metal and plastic are increasingly important in automotive industry. Compared to regular components they provide high resistance and little weight. Matters concerning process optimization are also to be discussed. Specialists present the advantages of connected systems in automotive construction.

Top-Themes of the international VDI-conference “Plastics in Automotive Engineering” are

• Future world 2050: growth, smart revolution and resources
• Innovative composite components for premium cars
• Series-production application of hybrid technology for lightweighting and support structures
• Two-component injection molding with breathing mold
• Aerodynamic optimizations and lightweight solutions for CO2 reduction
• Optimized collision simulation for components made of organo sheets
• Production and testing in the use of engineering recyclates

Facts and figures:

• +1300 participants
• +100 exhibitors
• +80 Speakers and experts
• Parallel conference: „Plastics in Commercial Vehicles 2017“

Date and venue

March 29-30, 2017
Congress Center Rosengarten
Rosengartenplatz 2
68161 Mannheim
Germany