Global first-tier metal chassis maker Catcher Technology and first-tier plastic chassis maker Ju Teng, seeing the adoption of compound materials becoming the latest trend in the chassis industry, are developing related products and pushing carbon-fiber-reinforced-plastic chassis for the high-end notebook market and fiberglass-reinforced-plastic chassis for mid-range and entry-level notebooks, according to sources from chassis makers.
Catcher's chairman Shui-shu Hung also recently revealed that the company's clients have a strong interest in carbon-fiber-reinforced-plastic chassis and the company has already started mass production.
The sources pointed out that ultrabook's demands for thin and light industrial designs as well as low costs will strongly push growth for both kids of chassis materials. Demand will start rising in the second half of 2012 and surge in 2013, the sources added.
The new materials have become the latest trend for the chassis market because of three major drivers – consumers, chassis makers and notebook brand vendors. Consumers like Apple's unibody chassis designs, while chassis makers' advances in production technology has allowed mass production to become possible. Furthermore, vendors' strong interest in the latest chassis products and technologies is also expected to help accelerate the standardization of the new compound materials.
Article translated by Joseph Tsai
