Galvanized body shell clad entirely with composite skin pane

Galvanized body shell clad entirely with composite skin panels

Renault have designed a high-rise car which has a skeletal steel body shell (Figure 1.38, clad entirely with composite panels. After assembly the complete body shell is immersed in a bath of molten zinc, which applies an all-over 6.5 micron (millionth of a metre) coating. The process gives anti-rust protection, while the chemical reaction causes a molecular change in the steel which strengthens it. Lighter-guage steel can therefore be used without sacrificing strength, resulting in a substantial weight saving even with the zinc
added.
Skin panels are formed in reinforced polyester sheet, made of equal parts of resin, fibreglass and mineral filler. The panels are joined to the galvanized frame and doors by rivets or bonding as appropriate. The one-piece high-rise tailgate is fabricated entirely from polyester with internal steel reinforcements . Damage to panels through impact shocks is contained locally and absorbed through destruction of the material,unlike the steel sheet which transmits deformation.Accident damage and consequent repair costs are thus reduced.