What are OEM bumpers made out of?
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) bumpers are typically made from a combination of materials, including plastic, metal, and foam. The specific composition can vary depending on the vehicle make and model, but the primary materials used in OEM bumpers are designed to provide both protection and aesthetic appeal.
Plastic Composition
The majority of OEM bumpers are constructed using various types of plastic, such as thermoplastic olefin (TPO), polypropylene (PP), or polyethylene (PE). These plastics are chosen for their durability, impact resistance, and ability to be molded into complex shapes that match the vehicle's design. The plastic components of OEM bumpers are often reinforced with steel or aluminum to enhance their strength and rigidity.
Metal Components
In addition to the plastic outer shell, OEM bumpers may also incorporate metal components, such as steel reinforcement beams or aluminum mounting brackets. These metal parts provide additional structural support and help distribute the force of an impact across the entire bumper assembly.
Foam Padding
To absorb the impact of collisions, OEM bumpers often include a layer of foam padding between the plastic outer shell and the metal reinforcement. This foam, typically made from materials like expanded polypropylene (EPP) or expanded polyurethane (EPU), helps to cushion the impact and reduce the transfer of force to the vehicle's body.
Aesthetic Considerations
Beyond their functional role, OEM bumpers are also designed to enhance the overall appearance of the vehicle. Manufacturers may use specific paint finishes, textures, or integrated lighting elements to create a cohesive and visually appealing design that complements the vehicle's styling.
In summary, OEM bumpers are typically composed of a combination of plastic, metal, and foam materials, each serving a specific purpose in providing protection, structural integrity, and aesthetic appeal for the vehicle.
What is my car bumper made of?
Their main element is a steel structural section, the so-called bumper beam. This reinforcement is mounted horizontally on the front and rear panel of a car and carries the heaviest load during a crash. It is covered from the outside with a flexible EPP foam bumper padding.
Who makes OEM car parts?
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, which means the parts are made by the same company that makes the vehicle. Meanwhile, aftermarket parts are produced by a different parts company and are often designed to be compatible with as many makes and/or models as possible.
What is the difference between OEM and aftermarket bumpers?
Aftermarket core supports, like reconditioned bumper reinforcements, may not provide the same functionality as OEM versions. These aftermarket parts may not use HSS and UHSS the same ways as OEM versions, meaning their use could present a significant safety issue.
Which bumper material is best?
Plastic has become the standard material used for bumpers. While they're not as durable as the rest, plastic bumpers are safer in the event of a collision with pedestrians. Additionally, they have a longer lifespan than steel since they don't corrode.
Is OEM better than aftermarket?
OEM parts are guaranteed to fit and almost always come with a manufacturer-backed warranty. They may cost more than what the aftermarket offers, but the trade-off is a likely simpler purchase process. If you're looking for a fast, simple experience and don't mind paying extra, OEM is often the way to go.
What material is used for bumper cars?
Plastic is the preferred material for modern car bumpers for several reasons. First and foremost, plastic is much lighter and more aerodynamic than metal, which improves the car's fuel efficiency. Plastic is also easier to shape, which is useful during both the manufacturing and bumper repair process.
What material is used for bumpers?
Polycarbonate. Like polypropylene, polycarbonate is so resistant to impact that it is often used for car bumpers and headlight lenses. This kind of car plastic is highly resistant to weathering, able to handle conditions from rain and snow to heat and cold.
What is OEM plastic?
OEM plastic manufacturer
Original Equipment Manufacturer or OEM refers to the original manufacturer of a part or product. An OEM plastic manufacturer uses its own label to sell its products, although the product may be marketed by a different manufacturer.
What is the composite material for car bumpers?
Polymer composites offer several advantages over conventional materials. One of the most significant benefits is their weight reduction [22]. In fact, polymer composites can offer up to 30% less weight than steel without sacrificing the bumper beam's bending strength [8,20,43].
What is OEM bumper made of?
OEM bumpers are polyurethane. OEM lip kits and sideskirts are ABS plastic.
