NPE2024 Automotive Session Highlights
Learn about trends and innovations in the automotive industry with the Automotive Industry Sessions at NPE2024.

If you’re interested in gaining insight into the automotive industry, look no further than the NPE2024 . Hear from a variety of speakers from across the industry and learn about trends in electric vehicles, sustainability, CFRL and more.
May 7
10:00 – 10:45 a.m: Automotive Trends and the Impact on Plastics | Edwin Pope
Plastic materials continue to play an important role in developing solutions for interior, body and electronics for electric vehicles (EVs) and other vehicles. Learn the latest trends in the use of plastics and which carmakers are winning the hearts of consumers.
11:00 – 11:45 a.m: The Influence of Electric Vehicles on Engineering Plastics | Brendan Dooley
Demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is booming and expected to quadruple by the decade’s end. Gain insight into this industry trend and forecast how this automotive industry transformation will impact the engineering plastics sector.
1:00 – 1:45 p.m: Pushing the Limits of Plastics Applications | Javier Cruz
Today’s automotive industry grapples with diverse challenges — from cutting fuel consumption and emissions to improving safety standards and meeting stringent regulations. Explore the key considerations you need to keep in mind when pushing the limits with plastic materials.
2:00 – 2:50 p.m: Panel Discussion: Automotive Industry Plastic Materials Update | Jason Merkle
Featuring a panel discussion focused on the latest developments in plastic materials and their impact on the automotive industry, this session will emphasize the importance of sustainability in the automotive industry.
3:00 – 3:30 p.m: Thermoplastic Polyurethane Carbon Fiber Reinforced Laminates (TPU-CFRL) for Lightweight Applications | Joseph Citrano
There has been increasing interest in the use of carbon fiber-reinforced laminates (CFRL) in the aerospace, renewable energy and automotive industries. Learn about a patent-filed methodology that can mitigate challenges while offering cost-effective solutions for making lightweight paint-ready automotive body panels.
May 8
11:00 – 11:30 a.m: Pushing the Limits of High Modulus Engineered Thermoplastic Polyurethanes (ETPU) – Metal Replacement Applications | Dr. Sat Nistala
Finding a tough resin that predictably meets plastic part performance requirements can be challenging. During this session, you’ll look at the processing of engineered thermoplastic polyurethanes (EPTUs), including drying tips of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs), dimensional stability and other end-use performance advantages.
May 9
8:00 – 8:45 a.m: Navigating the Surge in Electrification and the Engineering Plastics Landscape | Ramesh Iyer
As electric and hybrid vehicles drive up engineering plastics consumption, learn about the ever-changing landscape of regulations and the accelerating shift toward electrification, affecting key materials such as ABS, polycarbonate, PC+ABS and nylons.
2:00 – 2:30 p.m: How Electrification Powers Health Care, Consumer Goods, Automotive and Aerospace with Specialty Polymers | Victoria Lee, DeeDee Smith
Engineers spanning various markets are using electrification to increase efficiency in components and systems. See how they’re designing electrical components with specialty polymers, the important role of selecting the optimal material and dig into several application case studies that can be considered across materials.
May 10
10:00 – 10:30 a.m: Digital Transformation Success Using OPC Standards | Michael Clark
Learn how leading industrial facilities from renewable energy and cosmetics to automakers are employing secure, digital interoperability from the shop floor to the top floor with real-world examples from end users highlighting their digital transformation journey.
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