Description (page 3 of 5)

The galvanizing treatment of the sheet metals of the body offers decidedly higher protection against the weather than untreated panels.

The protective action of the zinc is given by its high level of reactivity with the chemical substances which form the atmosphere combined with the high level of inertia of the compound deriving from it (zinc oxide).

This way the film of zinc oxide which forms on sheet metal parts exposed to the atmosphere becomes an effective coat of protection which defends the sheet metal from rust.

The deposition of the protective layer of zinc can be carried out:

• on both sides of the sheet metal (bi-galvanized sheets) both faces are exposed to the action of the weather;
• on one side only (mono-galvanized sheets): the body panels of this type are with the treated part facing outwards.

Among the plastic parts, the front bonnet is highly important which integrates the radiator grille and part of the wheel arches.

It is very difficult to make this part in sheet metal because of its particular shape.

It was therefore decided to make it in composite material: KMC (material mainly made up of polyester resin and glass fibres).

The bonnet comprises two parts:

• an outer part (covering) with high aesthetic performance levels (outer surface class A, i.e. appearance equalling that of sheet metals) and levels of plasticity (the obtainable dimensional precision is appr. 0,4 mm of error per metre);
• an inner part (frame) with high structural performance levels (high mechanical strength and resistance to high temperatures).

The two parts are glued together with a structural Epoxy Bicomponent adhesive obtaining high rigidity and dimensional stability.

The composite material with which the bonnet is made contains a high percentage of glass (25%) and compared with sheet metal, it offers a considerable number of advantages.

The more important ones are the following:

• high resistance to shocks and in particular the capability to absorb minor shocks without damage. In fact with a shock of 2 Kgm (eg. 1 Kg dropped from a height of 2 m) it remains undamaged, whereas sheet metal is damaged;
• it is not subject to corrosion;
• it is easy to repair in the case of breakage.