At the “Assembly Injection Molding” Conference (Fachtagung Montagespritzgiessen) in November 2007 in Fürth, Germany, a Metal-Plastic Hybrid Automotive Body Panel was presented by REHAU AG+Co of Rehau Germany. The hybrid body panels are based on a three layer concept: Injection molded ribs reinforce a metal back, and a plastic class-A layer covers the ribbed structure (see photo below). The concept renders a very effective use of materials, structures and synergistically brings a strong and lightweight automotive body panel and structural component.

Metal-Plastic Hybrid automotive rear hatch by REHAU (Photo Tim Osswald)