Ford has started using an MIT-developed plastic technology called MuCell which injects tiny bubbles of gas into plastic during the manufacturing process to reduce its weight by 10% to 20% while keeping the same strength.
Naturally, the plastics also use less raw materials since it has swapped some plastic for bubbles of gas. The image above shows the internal structure of the MuCell plastic, which Ford likens to how an Aero chocolate bar looks like on the inside.
The first cars using MuCell plastics will roll out of the factory in the next few years. The first part to use MuCell is the engine cover. Ford did not reveal what else could be made out of MuCell plastics. But a little Googling has returned a Trexel Inc webpage with various examples like fan shrouds, radiator end tanks, wing mirror housings, door handles, airbag covers, and etc.
Mazda will also start using MuCell-produced parts for its instrument panel retainers and door panel liners.
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FIRSTT!!!1!!
what ?? for about a few miligrams…pffftt
dun u noe ford new car is using plastic for car front frame. once accident no need ketuk, just replace it. if tis tech use in my fiesta, i guess can save few kg. lighter front=better handling,better pickup n brake
This tech is nothing new, in fact Proton was using it long time ago for the steel on Iswara doors. That’s why can see similar “bubbles” on many of them today. :)
yup totally agree…my proton car door and roof is full of bubbles and its even lighter than a milo tin…looks like proton kena ‘copied’ again like how VW ‘copied’ emas’ design
haha.. same case here.. the “bubles” then later “pop” up then become corrosion..
why do u guys always keep bashing proton all the time
yup my proton car door and roof is also full of bubbles and its even lighter than a milo tin….looks like proton kena ‘copied’ again like how VW ‘copied’ emas
Good. Then if fall into a lake, more likely to float to surface.
Proton should be the first in lightweight car. Dated back on 80’s and now only those big boys want to follow. Proton should make a copyright on the “Tin Milo Technology”.
actualy P1 got that from outdated Mitsu tech, so should actualy thank the stingy Japos.
Since outdated why P1 using it?
haha.. good say..
copy answer from other, once answer is not right, then blame that ppl….
Come on la guys. It plastic we talking here. Know you have tone of complain for that, but do keep it to the topic…
Considering in changing most of the plastic parts in vehicle. The result would be noticable.
Proton also got light weight plactic which found in today saga. The dashboard plastic is thinner than my home plastic plate. So does Gen 2 door handle. Proton is the Best in light weight!
Hollow tech use in plastics; hopefully the savings in cost enjoyed by the manufacturers can pass on to us the consumers.
A lot of nonsense comments which lead to nothing.. you guys cant even tell the different between PU or PE or even PP plastics..or which plastic for which part of cars…sigh! sometimes too much ‘orang terlebih pandai’ and ‘kedai kopi talks’ also wont lead to new tech..
hmmm…
Oh..this technology is good. But Perodua already using NO-Tech in plastic parts. Their are using thin plastic part (especially inside the mud guard) to reduce weight and sure the cost. :-)
i guess that makes it scratch proof as well