Hanwha Advanced Materials, headed by CEO Kim Chang-bum, has created the world’s first hybrid front bumper beam for automobiles, which it developed with the technical cooperation of Hyundai Motor Company. In recognition for this significant achievement, Hanwha Advanced Materials has attained New Excellent Technology (NET)* certification from the Ministry of Trade, Industry & Energy (MOTIE) of South Korea.
These first of its kind hybrid bumper beams are created by inserting a steel frame into glass-mat-reinforced thermoplastic(GMT) – a lightweight, flat, composite material made from polypropylene and glass-fiber, improving crashworthiness of vehicles and are also 12 percent lighter than steel bumper beams.
An official from Hanwha Advanced Materials said, “Our three-year R&D efforts have resulted in this breakthrough technology that can effectively combine GMT and steel in an automotive bumper beam. This reinforced beam is recognized to significantly address bumper beam break problems in high-speed car crashes. The hybrid front bumper beam will be applied to Hyundai cars, which will be manufactured and sold in China in the second half of the year.”
Hanwha Advanced Materials is using the latest technologies to specialize in the manufacture of high-strength, ultra-light vehicle parts. This involves making other lightweight composite materials besides GMT, including LWRT, EPP, SMC, and LFT-G. To reduce the weight of cars, the company is cooperating with automotive manufacturers in developing new materials and parts moldings from the design stage.
* The NET certification is awarded to new technologies developed in South Korea or for innovation involving existing technologies. The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS), which operates within MOTIE, issues the certification with the approval of the Government of South Korea.
Founded in 1965, Hanwha Advanced Materials’ vision is “A high-tech materials company that protects the values of humanity and the environment.” To achieve this vision, we’re developing an innovative line of products and technologies that are more environmentally conscious while catering to the needs of our customers around the world. We produce lightweight composite materials and thermoformable components for automobiles, highly efficient advanced film for solar energy, and high-performance coating films for mobile phones and display. We have also developed local production plants and R&D centers in South Korea, the US, Europe, and China. Our global sales continue to rise.
For more information, please visit: www.hwam.co.kr/en
Founded in 1952, Hanwha has grown quickly by anticipating and responding to changing business environments with a balanced business portfolio that includes energy & materials, aerospace, finance and retail & services. Our expertise and synergy in key areas have catapulted us into the seventh-largest business in South Korea and a Fortune Global 500 company. Hanwha continues to grow rapidly as we strive to pursue global leadership in all of our businesses. We are building a robust foundation for sustainable development and a brighter future for everyone.
For more information, visit: www.hanwha.com
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