Body and Frame: Description and Operation

BODY PANELS AND MATERIALS

Index:

Fig. 16:

Fig. 17:

All Body Panels are made of plastic type materials. Different processes are used to create and shape the panels. Most body and internal structure panels are produced from the RTM process. Flexible panels are produced from the RIM process.

All panels are fastened with adhesive, rivets, bolts, and screws or a combination of these fasteners.
Service repair is enhanced as all exterior panels can be easily removed.
- (RTM) Resin Transfer Molding
- (RIM) Reaction Injection Molding
- (SMC) Sheet Molded Compound
- (TPO) Thermo Plastic Olefin
- (AL) Aluminum
- RTM (Resin Transfer Molding) - A continuous fiberglass mat is placed in a heated, preforming tool to establish the basic shape. The preform is then placed in a lower heated tool 93 degrees C (200 degrees F) where the resin is injected. The part is allowed to cure which takes approximately 20 minutes. The panels are then trimmed by robotics using a laser cutting or water jet process.
- RIM (Reaction Injection Molding) - This process has produced highly flexible plastic panels throughout the industry, as example is the Viper/RT 10 bumper fascias.
- SMC (Sheet Molded Compound) - SMC is constructed using short fiberglass strands usually less than 5.08 cm (2 inches) long. Sheet stock of glass impregnated resin matting is placed into the mold and pressed under heat to flow material throughout the mold. Tooling is shear edge designed to mold to net (i.e. no trimming at periphery required).
- Repair procedures for RTM panels are very similar to SMC panels.