The use of light-weight materials is very common in automotive, helping OEMs and suppliers meet emission and performance goals. Aluminum, carbon fiber, plastics, structural adhesives and more are all a part of the manufacturers’ tool kit when it comes to shedding pounds.
But is the use of light weight and alternative materials a practical choice for off-highway machine builders? It comes with a higher cost, performance challenges and, given the extreme operating conditions for most machines, potentially shortened life expectancy.
All this might change. As the industry slowly awakens to the potential of electrification and is hammered by rising material and fuel costs, will we see off-highway OEMs look at ways to improve efficiency and reduce the use of certain materials?
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