Lightweight automotive constructions essentially propel the evolution of thermoplastic composites. The generic aim is to cost-efficiently manufacture components with excellent mechanical properties at a low weight. Unidirectional tapes help to achieve this aim while expanding their area of application. But there is still room for improvement. Ticona, for example, is involved in a study exploring how a specially adapted manufacturing method may combine various semifinished products of glass fiber reinforced unidirectional tapes with a D-LFT composite material. One outcome is a mechanically optimized vehicle underbody evidencing an economically efficient manufacturing method that provides much freedom of design.

Leading golf shaft manufacturer True Temper has recently released a new version of their Project X shaft series, the PXv 39 (v for velocity). Aided by the use of TeXtreme Spread Tow carbon fabrics, the PXv weighs just 39 grams and is the lightest shaft introduced to the market.