Over the past several years, lightweight construction has become a driving force in many areas of transportation. Consumers are demanding more energy-efficient vehicles, and automotive design engineers are responding by incorporating more lightweight materials into the structure of vehicles.
Carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRP) and glass-fiber-reinforced plastics (GFRP) are two notable lightweight construction materials that offer high stiffness and strength, while allowing for the manufacture of thin structures.