3M Offers Acoustic Materials for Hybrid Vehicles
Special versions of the Thinsulate material from 3M are helping Honda and Toyota to refine the acoustics qualities of hybrid vehicles. These specially developed versions of 3M's Thinsulate material can absorb the higher frequency sounds produced by a hybrid vehicle's electric motors and transmissions. The material is lightweight and, because it is compact and compressible, packaging and assembly is straightforward.
3M said it could be useful for the growing number of European model programmes based on platforms originally conceived without a hybrid version in mind. Automotive applications of Thinsulate are said to have been rising steadily in recent years, with manufacturers using the specialist material to reduce mass in door panels, headliners, wheel wells, pillars and instrument panels. Thinsulate replaces some of the mixed-fibre mats, foams and absorbers, cutting the weight of some acoustic material parts by up to 40 per cent and saving several kilos.
3M said it could be useful for the growing number of European model programmes based on platforms originally conceived without a hybrid version in mind. Automotive applications of Thinsulate are said to have been rising steadily in recent years, with manufacturers using the specialist material to reduce mass in door panels, headliners, wheel wells, pillars and instrument panels. Thinsulate replaces some of the mixed-fibre mats, foams and absorbers, cutting the weight of some acoustic material parts by up to 40 per cent and saving several kilos.
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