Where did you get the info the panels are powder coated?
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- Thread starter ls10
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Where did you get the info the panels are powder coated?
We know it is a dry process from a Tech Talk and we have even found information that GM painted SMC composite material using a dry painting process at this very plant. You can read the relatively short discussion on the process in this thread:
http://www.elioowners.com/threads/paint-process.1406/
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Not really powder coated, but a dry paint process. Here's a little bit about it from Elio themselves.
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- Elio Motors will utilize some unique painting process as well. Priming consists of the dip process of the body frame for anti-corrosion and the color side for painting the body panels utilizing an environmentally friendly “dry process.”
I've tried Googling for dry paint process, but didn't have much luck finding anything. Maybe other members have been more sucsessful?
Jambe
Elio Addict
http://www.plasticsnews.com/article...84/sabic-plastic-body-panels-are-coming-back#
One key innovation allows for easier painting of plastic parts today. Electrostatic painting, which directs paint with an electrical charge, didn’t work on plastic parts, and factories needed two separate paint lines to handle the material.
Plastic suppliers have now enhanced the raw material by mixing in a conductive filler that makes the plastic behave like a steel part for painting.
May not be powder coating but sure sounds like it.
CaribbeanZombie
Elio Aficionado
I'm rather curious, to the Smart car owner...the video of the smart crash test said that the vehicle held up to the crash okay, but any passengers would most likely have been killed! And this is what "sold" you on the smart car? The fact that, if you're in a major accident, you'll most likely be killed! Not really a big selling point for me...I'm hoping Elio can one-up the smart car in crash tests!
Greg Ellis
Elio Enthusiast
The car Zapper won't work on the body of the Elio. NOT metal. (Sorry)
Truett Collins
Elio Addict
But my dobbe and 45 will....
RUCRAYZE
Elio Addict
it can't and won't. It'll meet only m.c. standards not a car and will not be tested as a car
Actually it can and it will. As a motorcycle the Elio does not have to meet the crash test standards however Elio Motors has said they have designed the vehicle to meet automotive safety standards and they will voluntarily test it to that standard as this is a huge selling point.
Some people think this is hard but the truth is that with some good engineering it is not that hard. The most basic thing Elio Motors has done for safety is to use a chassis comprised of fully boxed steel members to form a full roll cage which makes it more similar to the chassis of a race car than to that of most other vehicles on the road. The vehicle also features multi stage crumple zones on both ends and structurally reinforced doors just like most other vehicles on the road. When you add the three air bags and electronic stability aids into the mix you have everything needed to meet the automotive safety standards.
One of the biggest issues with the smart car is that while it does have a strong chassis it does not have room for crumple zones which is what results in the human body having to absorb more impact forces. As the Elio vehicle features modern multi stage crumple zones it does not have that issue.
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RUCRAYZE
Elio Addict
that wasn't the info you shared when I asked about insurance testing and federal testing of the Elio You said it will be tested as a m.c., which you also mentioned comes after production starts. BUT that'll be terrific if it does happen. !!! A 1200 lb (thin) car taking the side impact of the test? was it 3500lbs at 30mph? hummmmmm