Classical GMT materials consist of special glass fiber mats produced using the company’s patented processes, which are then impregnated with polypropylene in a second process. This unique technology produces materials which are characterized primarily by outstanding toughness and benign crash behavior. Unreinforced and short-fiber-reinforced thermoplastics become brittle at low temperatures. They also splinter dangerously in the event of a crash. In contrast to this, GMT materials ensure high energy absorption to fracture, and subsequent excellent failure behavior without sharp fracture zones even at low temperatures, due to the special long-fiber mat technology. While classical GMT materials are used in semi-structural components, such as instrument panel mountings, tailgates, door modules and seat structures, newly developed composite materials are intended for structural applications. Through the additional reinforcement of GMT with unidirectional, continuous fibers in the form of fabrics and inlays, properties can be achieved which even enable them to be used where only metals could be used to date. These structural applications include bumper mountings and chassis parts, such as a front-end.

Furthermore, Quadrant manufactures blended fiber non-wovens from reinforcing and polymer fibers using a special process. Glass fibers (SymaLITE®) are used as reinforcing fibers. The nonwovens are heated above the melting point of the matrix, compacted under pressure togeth er with functional facing layers and delivered in the form of flat sheets (SymaLITE®). The customer heats the non-wovens or sheets and produces components using a low-pressure compression process; a decorative layer can be pressed directly with them. Besides eliminating one production step, the use of adhesives can also be avoided. The end products manufactured from blended fiber non-wovens are used, for example, for rear window parcel shelves and trim parts for doors and seat backrests. Loading platforms with high load-bearing capacity and covers can also be produced.

SymaLITE® is also used in the vehicle interior and in addition to the components already referred to can also be used for head and sunroof liners as well as instrument panel trim. In addition to these applications in the passenger compartment, SymaLITE® is also used as the material for an innovative underfloor concept involving almost the enclosure of the underfloor structure.