Composite Parts for Transportation Systems
Molded Composites for the Transportation and Automotive Industries
Engineered Composites Incorporated (ECI) is a leading American manufacturer of precision-molded composite components for the automotive and transportation industries. Backed by decades of experience in automotive composite manufacturing – from structural to interior to under-the-hood parts – ECI offers the capacity to support OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, aftermarket suppliers, and all manner of projects within the commercial transportation space.
From heavy-duty commercial transport to legacy car parts and modern electric vehicles (EVs), ECI supports the evolving demands of the industry with engineered composites tailored to each customer’s specific requirements in terms of performance, manufacturability, and cost.
Built for Today’s Transportation Demands – From Passenger Cars to Rail Freight
Transportation manufacturers face increasing demands for lightweighting, corrosion resistance, thermal stability, and design flexibility—all areas where molded composites outperform traditional metals. ECI has been meeting these demands for decades, producing high-strength components with tight tolerances, automotive-grade finishes, and exceptional material integrity.
- Recreational vehicle (RV) parts and accessories
- Commercial truck and bus equipment
- Off-highway transport and utility vehicles
- Rail and freight infrastructure components
- Passenger vehicles
- Lightweight electric vehicle (EV) parts
A Case Study in Manufacturing Quality RV Composite Parts
ECI applies real-world problem-solving to every molded composite project. Recently, a leading supplier of RV equipment and accessories contracted us to improve product quality and aesthetics.
Specifically, their RV sink products were experiencing discoloration and premature surface wear from typical exposure to food residues. ECI stepped in with targeted testing and analysis. Using in-house simulations that replicated actual use conditions, we identified how acidic and pigmented substances were affecting the surface at a chemical level, not just leaving residue.
We engaged our material suppliers and utilized our in-house chemist to evaluate alternative formulations. Together, we identified a material that met all existing performance specifications while offering significantly improved resistance to the substances in question. The result was drastically enhanced stain resistance, boosting end-customer confidence as well as the all-important perceived quality.
Integrated Tooling and Manufacturing with Automotive-Grade Quality
ECI works hard to achieve a fully integrated tooling and manufacturing process that supports modern automotive-quality standards and precision fitment expectations. Our integrated CNC machining and robotic trimming operations ensure superior quality and repeatability for each part while eliminating the need for third-party processors.
- PPAP-capable process control for meeting OEM and Tier 1 automotive requirements
- Robotic trimming and punching achieve precision hole patterns and flash removal
- CNC-machined composites for critical mating surfaces and mounting features
- In-mold coating options for Class A surface finishes
- ISO 9001:2015 certified quality system with near 100% on-time performance
Composite Molding Technologies for Vehicle Components
ECI’s diverse material expertise and molding capabilities allow us to support a wide variety of vehicle components, including structural, cosmetic, and system-critical parts.
Strong, dimensionally stable, and ideal for large panels and impact-resistant vehicle parts:
- Exterior body panels and underbody shields
- Battery enclosures and EV tray covers
- Structural crossmembers and brackets
- HVAC and air duct housings
- Impact-resistant bumper reinforcements
Liquid Composite Molding (LCM)
Custom-formed automotive panels and parts with complex geometries and excellent surface quality:
- Aerodynamic fairings and covers
- Electronics and sensor housings
- Lightweight panels
- Load-bearing interior parts
A high-performance composite ideal for manufacturing compact parts requiring high strength and electrical/thermal resistance:
- Terminal blocks and fuse housings
- Under-the-hood electrical connectors
- Motor housings and coil brackets
- Headlamp and lighting carriers
Durable, high-strength composite parts for large and structural transportation components:
- Seat backs and interior floor systems
- Trunk liners and cargo trays
- Engine shields and sound barriers
- Rail car and bus floor panels
Quality USA-Made Composites for Automotive and Transportation
Whether you’re manufacturing standard car parts, developing next-generation mobility solutions, or improving existing commercial fleet systems, ECI offers expertise and unparalleled quality for today’s automotive and transportation companies. From design support and materials expertise to tooling, manufacturing, product finishing, and secondary processing, we offer your project a single source of quality and accountability.