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ZF Debuts Plastic Engine Mount
A lightweight vehicle engine mount made of plastic instead of aluminum has gone into production for several small-car models, including electric vehicles, produced by the Renault-Nissan alliance.
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A lightweight vehicle engine mount made of plastic instead of aluminum has gone into production for several small-car models, including electric vehicles, produced by the Renault-Nissan alliance.
The part, which was developed by ZF Friedrichshafen AG, is about 25% lighter than a conventional cast metal mount but provides the same ability to isolate powertrain vibration from the vehicle body.
Like its metal counterpart, the plastic mount includes a rubber insert.
The new design uses fiberglass-reinforced polyamide and is 100% recyclable, according to ZF. The company used CAD modeling to determine the concentration and alignment of the glass fibers. It says the device's modular construction makes it easily adaptable to a wide range of engines and vehicles.
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