Car parts are getting smaller due to moves toward electric, hybrid vehicles.

Product miniaturization, Part 3: Automotive industry

The medical and electrical industries are not the only business sectors refocusing their interests on product miniaturization. Just as cellphones are no longer clunky and laptops are light enough to easily carry in a messenger bag, vehicles are getting smaller as well. The automotive industry has drastically changed within the last few years, shifting its efforts away from manufacturing oversized vehicles and toward designing compact cars that are less reliant on fossil fuels.

Why are cars getting smaller?
According to most market predictions outlined by Bloomberg Business, the future is bright for small, electric vehicles. Car manufacturers across the globe are bolstering their resources for hybrid and electric vehicle research and design because of the worldwide push for eco-friendly consumer products and services. In order to keep up with new climate change regulations, the automotive industry is constantly looking for ways to reduce their cars' emissions and lower their carbon footprints.

"In the next few years, Tesla, Chevy, and Nissan plan to start selling long-range electric cars in the $30,000 range," Tom Randall wrote for Bloomberg Business. "Other carmakers and tech companies are investing billions on dozens of new models. By 2020, some of these will cost less and perform better than their gasoline counterparts."

"Vehicle part manufacturers must keep up with product miniaturization."

As electric cars may be far more popular in the near future, vehicle part manufacturers must keep up with product miniaturization. Smaller electric or hybrid vehicles require less bulky engines and other mechanical parts to operate. These parts must be lightweight as to not weigh down these environmentally friendly vehicles, yet still durable enough to withstand high temperatures and moisture exposure.

For car owners, lighter, electric cars means better gas mileage, which instantly translates to more money back in their pockets. As prices for electric vehicles fall in the coming years, more consumers will be looking to upgrade their gasoline-guzzling models for these affordable, eco-friendly cars. Automotive manufacturers will have to keep up with demand by investing further resources into product miniaturization technology to continue to create high-quality, smaller and lightweight car parts.

What labels work best for small automotive parts?
Automotive manufacturing is fraught with high temperatures, abrasive chemicals and moisture exposure. Barcode labels must remain durable during the entire process and throughout the automotive part's lifespan for effective tracking and identification purposes.

Thermal transfer labels are ideally suited for these such application environments as they remain in tact, even after significant exposure to these elements. At Stranco, we sell highly customizable label solutions for manufacturers with unique application needs. Whatever the size of your application, our customer service team will work with you to find the right size, material and coating for your exact specifications. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services.