PC Composite: The Material Behind ACS's Corvette Accessories
When it comes to performance, quality, durability, ACS is a leader in the aftermarket Corvette accessory market. Our aerocomponents for the C8 Corvette, such as front Splitters, Side Rockers, Spoilers, and Diffusers are made with a material we specifically developed called PC Composite. It is a high-strength, lightweight plastic that offers superior performance and durability compared to traditional materials such as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), and Fiberglass.
What is PC Composite?
PC Composite is a blend of polymers specifically formulated for aerodynamic components, with Polycarbonate as one of its main ingredients. This composition has been developed for Corvette accessories such as front splitters and side rockers in particular, as they are close to the ground. PC Composite is strong enough to resist scraping, and rigid enough to deflect air as intended for optimal airflow. It has also been tinted black to help conceal scrapes and chips.
Strength-to-Weight ratio
Firstly, PC Composite has a higher strength-to-weight ratio than ABS. This means that it can withstand more force and pressure while still being lightweight, making it ideal for high-performance cars like the C7 Corvette and C8 Corvette. This improved strength-to-weight ratio also leads to improved aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.
In addition to its strength-to-weight ratio, PC Composite also has excellent Stress Yield and Stress Break properties. Stress yield and stress break are both measures of the strength and durability of a material.
Stress yield
Stress yield refers to the point at which a material begins to permanently deform under a load or force. In other words, stress yield measures the point at which the material will no longer return to its original shape.
For example, approaching with your C8, and your front splitter makes first contact, as you slowly move forward that splitter will start to bend. The stress yield of that splitter will determine how much distortion the C8 front splitter can take before it is permanently warped.
Stress break
Stress break is the point at which the material will fracture or break under a load or force. In other words, the point at which the material will fail completely.
For example, approaching with your C8, and your front splitter makes first contact with an object, as you advance the force against it mounts until it completely breaks.
Given stress yield and break, we can conclude that a material with a higher stress yield and stress break will be able to withstand more force and pressure before it fails, making it stronger and more durable.
| Material | Strength-to-Weight Ratio | Stress Yield | Stress Break | Temperature Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PC Composite | Higher | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| ABS | Lower | Good | Good | Fair |
Sandy Munro tests ACS Composite's PC Composite material
We wanted to put our PC Composite to the test to see if it would outperform traditional ABS parts out there in the Corvette aftermarket especially on key metrics such as Stress Yield, Stress Break, Maximum Stress, Modulus Elasticity, and Impact Resistance.
Sandy Munro
Sandy Munro is an automotive engineer who specializes in machine tools and manufacturing. He started as a toolmaker at the Valiant Machine & Tool company – a General Motors supplier in Windsor. In 1978, he joined the Ford Motor Company where he improved methods of engine assembly.
Munro & Associates test results
We had Sandy Munro of Munro Associates evaluate and compare our PC Composite ACS C7 Corvette Rockers on the aforementioned metrics versus our competitors. You can view the results below:
The Munro study provides a detailed analysis of the performance of ACS's PC Composite material compared to a competitor's material using C7 Corvette Side Rockers as the sample product.
The study includes tests of several key properties of the materials including Tensile Properties, Flexural Properties and Impact Resistance. The results of the study show that ACS Composite's PC Composite material outperformed the competitor's material in all of the tests.
Tensile Properties test results
In the Tensile Properties test, which measured the Stress at Break (Mpa) at different temperatures, the ACS Composite material scored higher than the competitor.
ACS' Corvette Rockers scored:
- 52.5 Mpa for Stress at Break at 46.4° Fahrenheit
- 45.7 Mpa for Stress at Break at 73.4° Fahrenheit
- 40.2 Mpa for Stress at Break at 113° Fahrenheit
The competitor's Corvette Rockers scored:
- 28.2 Mpa for Stress at Break at 46.4° Fahrenheit
- 24.5 Mpa for Stress at Break at 73.4° Fahrenheit
- 20.7 Mpa for Stress at Break at 113° Fahrenheit
The results of the Stress at Break test indicate that the ACS material has higher resistance to breaking under stress across different temperatures compared to the competitor's Corvette parts.
Flexural Properties test results
In the Flexural Properties test, which measured the Maximum Stress (Mpa) at different temperatures, the ACS material outperformed the competitor's material.
ACS' Corvette Rockers scored:
- 103.9 Mpa for Maximum Stress at 46.4° Fahrenheit
- 102.2 Mpa for Maximum Stress at 73.4° Fahrenheit
- 100.7 Mpa for Maximum Stress at 113° Fahrenheit
The competitor's Corvette Rockers scored:
- 64.9 Mpa for Maximum Stress at 46.4° Fahrenheit
- 61.4 Mpa for Maximum Stress at 73.4° Fahrenheit
- 59.3 Mpa for Maximum Stress at 113° Fahrenheit
In the Flexural Properties test, which measured the Modulus Elasticity (Mpa) at different temperatures, the ACS material outperformed the competitor's material.
ACS' Corvette Rockers scored:
- 2785 Mpa for Modulus Elasticity at 46.4° Fahrenheit
- 2650 Mpa for Modulus Elasticity at 73.4° Fahrenheit
- 2575 Mpa for Modulus Elasticity at 113° Fahrenheit
The competitor's Corvette Rockers scored:
- 2360 Mpa for Modulus Elasticity at 46.4° Fahrenheit
- 2270 Mpa for Modulus Elasticity at 73.4° Fahrenheit
- 2200 Mpa for Modulus Elasticity at 113° Fahrenheit
Impact Resistance test results
In the Impact Resistance test measured in ft-lb/in (foot-pound per inch) at different temperatures, the ACS material outperformed the competitor's material.
ACS' Corvette Rockers scored:
- 11.14 ft-lb/in for Impact Resistance at 46.4° Fahrenheit
- 11.97 ft-lb/in for Impact Resistance at 73.4° Fahrenheit
- 11.85 ft-lb/in for Impact Resistance at 113° Fahrenheit
The competitor's Corvette Rockers scored:
- 1.06 ft-lb/in for Impact Resistance at 46.4° Fahrenheit
- 1.35 ft-lb/in for Impact Resistance at 73.4° Fahrenheit
- 1.80 ft-lb/in for Impact Resistance at 113° Fahrenheit
The table below summarizes the full findings:
| Test | Property | Temperature (Fahrenheit) | ACS | Competitor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile properties | Stress at Break (Mpa) | 46.4°F (8°C) | 52.5 | 28.2 |
| Tensile properties | Stress at Break (Mpa) | 73.4°F (23°C) | 45.7 | 24.5 |
| Tensile properties | Stress at Break (Mpa) | 113°F (45°C) | 40.2 | 20.7 |
| Flexural properties | Maximum Stress (Mpa) | 46.4°F (8°C) | 103.9 | 64.9 |
| Flexural properties | Maximum Stress (Mpa) | 73.4°F (23°C) | 95.1 | 54.6 |
| Flexural properties | Maximum Stress (Mpa) | 113°F (45°C) | 82.9 | 44.1 |
| Flexural properties | Modulus Elasticity (Mpa) | 46.4°F (8°C) | 2785 | 2360 |
| Flexural properties | Modulus Elasticity (Mpa) | 73.4°F (23°C) | 2729 | 2215 |
| Flexural properties | Modulus Elasticity (Mpa) | 113°F (45°C) | 2443 | 2011 |
| Impact resistance | ft-lb/in | 46.4°F (8°C) | 11.14 | 1.06 |
| Impact resistance | ft-lb/in | 73.4°F (23°C) | 11.97 | 1.35 |
| Impact resistance | ft-lb/in | 113°F (45°C) | 11.85 | 1.80 |
Results summary
ACS material and Corvette side rockers outperformed the competitor's material and side rockers in terms of impact resistance, modulus elasticity, maximum stress, and stress at break.
The ACS material has higher strength-to-weight ratio, excellent stress yield and stress break and good temperature resistance. The competitor's material has lower strength-to-weight ratio, good stress yield and stress break and fair temperature resistance.
The results indicate that ACS' PC Composite has higher resistance to breaking under stress across different temperatures compared to the competitor's Corvette parts. Overall, the ACS material is durable and resistant to damage from impacts, deformation, and stress.
| Company | Strength-to-Weight Ratio | Stress Yield | Stress Break | Temperature Resistance | Impact Resistance | Modulus Elasticity | Maximum Stress |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACS | Higher | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Higher | Higher | Higher |
| Competitor | Lower | Good | Good | Fair | Lower | Lower | Lower |
Why PC Composite is ideal for Corvette aerocomponents
As Corvette enthusiasts, we know the importance of using high-quality materials when it comes to modifying our rides. The Corvette is an American made car and deserves to have parts put on it that carry on the quality of the Corvette.
We understand that our customers want parts that are:
- performance enhancing
- long lasting
- made from the best materials
- guaranteed to fit
That's why we choose to use PC Composite in our manufacturing process, and by choosing ACS Composite parts, you can trust that you are getting what you pay for.
Here are the benefits you will enjoy by using an ACS PC Composite part such as a front splitter, side rocker, rear spoiler, or diffuser on your Corvette:
Strength
One of the biggest benefits of using PC composite over traditional materials like ABS is its enhanced strength and durability. The polycarbonate in the composite gives it high impact resistance and high temperature resistance, which is crucial for high-performance driving. The added polymers in the composite provides a better surface finish and higher chemical resistance.
Aerodynamics
Additionally, PC Composite's rigidity means it will not vibrate at high speeds making it more aerodynamic by being efficient. This helps to improve the car's overall performance and handling, which is especially important for the C8 Corvette.
Durability
We also appreciate the fact that PC Composite has excellent stress yield and stress break properties. It can withstand more force and pressure before deforming or breaking, making it more durable and long-lasting than ABS parts. This is important for protecting the car from everyday wear and tear, and ensuring that the parts will outlast the ownership of the vehicle.
Temperature and UV resistance
Furthermore, PC Composite offers improved temperature and UV resistance compared to ABS. This means that it maintains its strength and durability even in extreme temperatures and when exposed to sunlight. This is crucial for the longevity of the aerocomponents and maintaining the look of the car.
Manufacturing: Injection vs. thermomolding
When it comes to high-performance automotive parts and accessories, the manufacturing process is just as important as the materials used.
At ACS Composite, we use injection molding to produce nearly all of our products for our line of Chevrolet Corvette products. This method allows us to control various aspects of the final product and create parts with sharper lines and a sportier look that is fitting for a sports car like the Corvette.
Advantages of Injection Molding
Injection molding offers several advantages over thermomolding, particularly when it comes to aerocomponents. Firstly, injection molding allows for the creation of parts with much tighter tolerances and higher precision.
This is crucial for aerodynamic performance and ensuring that the parts fit perfectly on the vehicle. Additionally, injection molding offers a wider range of material options, including ABS and polycarbonates, which have higher strength-to-weight ratios and temperature resistance compared to the materials commonly used in thermomolding.
Another benefit of injection molding is the ability to incorporate features such as holes and other details that are crucial for aerodynamic performance and easy installation. These features cannot be easily incorporated into thermomolded parts.
Furthermore, injection molding allows for a higher degree of accuracy and consistency in the final product, which is crucial for proper fit and function in a high-performance car like the C8 Corvette.
| Manufacturing Process | Injection Molding | Thermoforming |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerance and Precision | Tighter tolerances and higher precision | Less precise and wider tolerances |
| Material Options | Wider range of options, including ABS and polycarbonates | Limited range of options, typically ABS |
| Incorporation of Features | Easily incorporates features such as holes and other details | Difficulty incorporating features |
| Accuracy and Consistency | Higher degree of accuracy and consistency | Less accurate and consistent |
| Cost | Typically higher cost | Typically lower cost |
Why ACS Composite uses injection molding
When it comes to high-performance automotive parts and accessories, precision and consistency are key. This is why at ACS Composite, we use the manufacturing process of injection molding to create our C8 Corvette aerocomponents. Injection molding allows for the creation of parts with tighter tolerances, higher precision, and a wider range of material options. This ensures that our products fit perfectly on the vehicle and have the strength and durability to withstand the rigors of high-performance driving.
Below is the injection machine and ACS C7 Corvette Z06 Splitter tool that is in the process of making the splitter.
Why choose ACS Composite for your C8 Corvette aerocomponents
While other manufacturers may offer similar products at lower price points, it's important to note that they may be cutting corners by using inferior materials and manufacturing techniques in order to drive down costs. However, they sacrifice on important qualities that Corvette enthusiasts want from their Corvette parts and accessories such as strength, durability, quality, design, and finish.
All ACS products are made in Canada, we use raw materials including our plastics, resins, fiberglass and more all from suppliers found throughout North America. We establish relationships with theser vendors to ensure the highest quality is going into each part. You will find our parts stamped with our brand and Made in Canada so you know it's a real ACS product.
At ACS Composite, we take pride in using the highest quality materials and manufacturing processes to bring you the best possible products for your C8 Corvette. While it may come at a slightly higher cost, we believe that the precision, consistency, and durability of our products are worth the investment.
Browse our product line knowing that all our products utilize our proven PC Composite material and injection molding techniques. Your Corvette will thank you!