Low margin Composite Markets?

[compositesDE]

Hi everyone,

I think we are all aware of where high tech composites are utilized (Aerospace, racing, high end vehicles). Ever since the BMW i series there is also big discussion on automation/high volume production. I am interested in the complete opposite

I was wondering what your guess to this little brainteaser is:

- Where are low cost / low margin composites utilized?
- Where are super small production volumes from 1-10 the usual number?
- We are talking about composite shells (GF,CF, ..) but not about tubes, plates and other semifinished goods!

I am interested to hear your thoughts
Cheers from Germany!

 

[adfergusson]

Low cost/margin says things like particle filled composites such as glass filed nylon that is injection moulded. As cost/margin increases, things like SMC and BMC come into play.
I can't really think of any notable low cost, margin and volume production and that's probably because low volume production of low margin items would make for a terrible business! I might have said surfboards about 5 years ago but now the market has been consolidated and is dominated by a small number of players in Asia (and one in Europe) who dominate global surfboard production. Perhaps things like dinghies and cheap speed boats might fit the low cost, margin, volume criteria.