Since 2nd February 2003, when the Columbia glowed as it re-entered the earth’s atmosphere, most people are now aware how important protection against excessive heat is. Safety and protection against heat has always been an important topic for the automotive industry, too. Heat shields on the vehicle ensure the right temperature in heat-sensitive areas.

Heat shields are used throughout the area of the underfloor, such as along the exhaust system and in the engine compartment of a car – anywhere in fact where considerable heat is generated and can cause damage. The shields consist of aluminium wrought alloys and are fixed to the underfloor with studs (welding studs) at intervals of 10 mm to 30 mm on average. The air layer created by the gap acts as an insulating cushion which keeps the hot air developed by the exhaust and engine away from the part components to be protected. Components particularly at risk are the tunnel area, the tank area with its pumps and fuel lines and also the spare wheel recess, with its plastic parts, located above the tail pipe.

Heat shields for the C1 platforms Under the Supplier’s Contract from Sevex AG, Switzerland, Bertrandt in Cologne is developing heat shields for the C1 platform (Ford/Volvo/Mazda). Sevex will convert the IDEAS data provided by Bertrandt. Prototype tools will then be made on site on the basis of these data. Sevex largely makes the heat shields designed by the Cologne company in the “one step process”. This means that the heat shields are pressed, drilled and cut in a single operation, thus saving both time and money.

These are just a few of the advantages of aluminium as a material. Generally speaking, a material that transfers or emits heat quickly to the environment can be used in heatshields. The heat shield achieves the necessary insulation through the air cushion between the shield and the component to be protected.