Autoneum is supplementing its range of acoustic and thermal management solutions for vehicles with multifunctional engine covers made of the lightweight fibre-foam material Theta-FiberCell.

This product innovation for the engine bay is said to reduce the vehicle weight and at the same time prevent engine noise from entering the passenger compartment. With this development, the company is offering vehicle manufacturers a further lightweight component for the development and production of fuel-efficient and low-emission cars.

Reducing vehicle emissions and noise

In order to support OEMs in meeting the increasing global requirements for reducing vehicle emissions and noise, Autoneum has extended its broad range of lightweight and noise-reducing components to include multifunctional engine covers made of Theta-FiberCell.

This key technology takes into account customer-specific product requirements such as optimum noise protection and integrated thermal insulation, the manufacturer reports.

Technical features and benefits

Compared with conventional engine covers made of plastic, engine covers made of Theta-FiberCell are more than 50% lighter, which is equivalent to a weight reduction of up to one kg per vehicle. At the same time they are said to absorb engine noise and in doing so contribute toward improved acoustics in the passenger compartment and enhanced driver comfort.

Theta-FiberCell is able to withstand temperatures of up to 200°C and is highly resistant to engine vibrations, according to the company.

Driven by demand, engine covers currently manufactured in Europe will be produced in series in Asia and the USA as well in future, according to Autoneum.

Autoneum

Autoneum, with its headquarters in Winterthur, Switzerland, is the leading producer of vehicle acoustics and thermal management systems. The company develops and manufactures components, modules and complete systems for interior and engine bay, as well as heatshields and underbody shields.

Customers include leading automobile producers in the key markets of Europe, North America, South America and Asia. Autoneum is represented at around 50 locations in over 20 countries and employs more than 10,000 people worldwide.

www.autoneum.com