Need info regarding use of Aluminium and composites in Automotive apps 3

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Aluminum and composites (fiberglass, Kevlar or Graphite) would be good materials for chassis, subframe and suspension applications.&nbsp;&nbsp;These &quot;materials&quot; are particularly attractive because of their low weight density, strength and corrosion resistance.&nbsp;&nbsp;Aluminum has been used for structural components in aircraft airframes for decades.&nbsp;&nbsp;Aluminum alloys are readily available and the techniques for design and manufacture are well understood.&nbsp;&nbsp;Composite materials are also used extensively for airframes of advanced aircraft and spacecraft.&nbsp;&nbsp;They are very strong and have engineered properties (stiffness, strength).&nbsp;&nbsp;They are more expensive however.&nbsp;&nbsp;Commercial supply for composite parts exists but they are more difficult to obtain because of the added engineering effort to use them.&nbsp;&nbsp;They also contain resins that require testing to verify fatigue properties.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Numerous material suppliers can be contacted on the web for detailed information.&nbsp;&nbsp;Many composite material suppliers are willing to review component requirements with clients to make cost estimates.&nbsp;&nbsp;Be sure to check the &quot;Materials Engineers&quot; forum.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thanks for the information Mike, I think I will have to check out the Materials Engineering Forum and composite suppliers as you suggest, because I will need to find out information regarding do's & don'ts of designing these types of parts, and how they are manufactured, to find out the best way of designing components in composites rather than in metals. For instance I will need to look at the layers of composites and the best ways to use their best properties to over come areas of high stress.<br>Kind Regards<br>Paul