Pour, Cure, Drive: Where silicones and polyurethanes are used in Automotive

From concept to cockpit, silicones, polyurethanes and foams can be found throughout automotive applications. They offer methods for tooling, mould making, part creation, repairs, and more for both road and race vehicles.

Below we’ve summed up just some of the applications where you can use BJB materials 

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Restoration

For vintage car restoration, water clear polyurethane systems can be used to reproduce missing parts or replacements for parts which have been discontinued. They’re easily pigmented to reproduce the classic colours of classic vehicles.

They’re ideal for replacing or customising steering wheels, taillight lenses, trims and difficult to source specialist parts.

BJB water clear polyurethane casting systems have been used for a classic BMW Isetta taillight lens reproduction due to their clarity and ability to be pigmented.

Entertainment

BJB has a proven track record in film, TV, and SFX applications including automotive ones. Our casting materials are used for props, vehicles, lighting, effects, decorative components, part recreation and duplication, and speciality lighting encapsulation.

Aria Group used BJB silicone and polyurethane materials fr custom detail parts on a Halo Warthog vehicle and decorative components on Transformers themed vehicles such as wheel spike effects.

Lux Lighting used BJB flexible water clear polyurethane to encapsulate LEDs and create lighting effects for an Optimus Prime vehicle.

Prototyping

Polyurethane flexible foams are ideal for prototype seat cushions for vehicle development offering a range of densities for prototyping flexibility.

Both BJB TC-296 and TC-284 have been used for prototype seat cushions for Tesla, Flexible foams support seating design and help with vehicle development with varying cushioning performance to help find the right material.

Display

Casting and moulding materials are perfect for creating display pieces whether for motor shows or museums as well as recreating fragile components which can’t be left out on display. Using clear casting materials also allows for interior visuals for training models.

BJB water clear polyurethanes have been used to create a full size V8 engine display, the clarity of this material makes it ideal to see interior components.

Customisations and Fabrication

Foam can be used for creating rough shells for hobby and go kart projects, allowing for custom body construction. As well as silicones for creating moulds for fabrication.

BJB water clear polyurethane casting systems have been used for casting unique shaped, tinted custom taillight lens to match a purple custom vehicle.

BJB materials have also been used to create a custom go kart body inspired by a Volkswagen Microbus including composite fabrication, foam use, and adhesive bonding.

For high-performance vehicles and motorsport applications read our article here.

Choosing the right material for your automotive project

Below are just a few BJB materials suitable for automotive applications, if you’re still unsure of the right material for your project, speak to our Technical Team who can advise, offer on sit consultations, and walk through your process to find the best fit.

Where else we can help

BJB Materials Europe is part of TECHSiL, an ISO 9001:2015 certified company, which means we can offer additional materials and services for your automotive applications including: