Plastic profiles for seat structures
Lightweight seat structures reimagined
Better performance with less weight, without system change
The demands on modern seat structures are increasing: CO₂ reduction, range for electric vehicles, optimisation of costs and the number of parts, as well as rising safety requirements.
The challenge: Traditional steel seat structures have been extensively optimised from a technical perspective, but:
• 12–15 kg structural weight (approx. 20 kg total seat weight)
• 60–80 individual parts
• limited potential for lightweight construction
Targeted reinforcement rather than a complete redesign
Thermoplastic UD profiles made of polyamide (PA) or polypropylene (PP) are used to reinforce the seat structure precisely where the load is actually applied:
- Reinforcement of high-load zones (e.g. seatbelt forces, cross members)
- Increased bending and torsional stiffness
- Reduction of oversizing in steel
- Integration into existing processes without architectural changes
Result: Efficient lightweight construction without risk to existing platforms
A comparison of materials: weight, cost and performance at a glance:
| Criteria | Conventional (steel) | Hybrid / Technoform Solution |
| Weight of structure | 12–15 kg | up to –30 % |
| Components | 60–80 | significantly reduced |
| Assembly effort | high | reduced |
| Strength | high | high |
| Recyclability | limited | optimized |
Benefits
- Integration into existing platforms
- No need for a complete system overhaul
- High fibre content (50–70%) for maximum strength
- Slim cross-sections (2–10 mm)
- Thermoplastic is recyclable
- Corrosion-free
Potentials for optimization
Side panels
Crossbars (top/bottom)
Belt load ranges
Seat side panels
