Mobile machinery operates in some of the most demanding environments imaginable — construction sites, mines, forests, agricultural fields and industrial yards. Components must withstand constant mechanical stress, weather exposure, vibration and impact, while keeping the machine as light and efficient as possible. Composite and fibre-reinforced plastic structures are built for exactly these conditions.
Why Composites Work for Mobile Machinery
Composite and fibre-reinforced plastic materials offer a combination of properties that are difficult to achieve with steel or aluminium alone. They are strong, durable and long-lasting — while remaining significantly lighter than metal alternatives and completely corrosion-free.
Key benefits for machine and equipment manufacturers include:
- Lightweight design — improved payload capacity and fuel efficiency
- Durable protection — corrosion and weather resistant for demanding environments
- Design freedom — enables aerodynamic shapes and a modern appearance
- Faster installation — pre-manufactured composite parts reduce assembly time and maintenance needs
- Sustainable choice — lower carbon footprint and long service life
Composite is also non-flammable and electrically non-conductive when the right material is selected — important properties in many mobile machinery applications.
Typical Applications in Mobile Machinery
Composite and FRP solutions are used across a wide range of mobile machinery components, including:
- Cab roofs — lightweight composite roof structures for operator cabs
- Exterior cab side panels — durable composite panels for cab exteriors
- Engine covers — composite engine covers combining protection and design
- Fenders — corrosion-free composite fenders for demanding site conditions
- Protective structures — impact and weather resistant composite housings and covers
- Pre-manufactured composite component solutions can be delivered ready to install, streamlining assembly and reducing overall lead times for machine manufacturers.
What This Means for Machine and Equipment Manufacturers
For OEMs and machine manufacturers, composite solutions translate directly into practical production benefits. Smoother assembly, fewer parts to handle, shorter lead times and greater design flexibility at the component level — all without compromising durability or service life.
Composite structures also open up design possibilities that are difficult or impossible to achieve in metal — complex curves, integrated features and modern aerodynamic forms that improve both function and appearance.
LICO’s Experience in Demanding Composite Applications
LICO has extensive experience in designing and manufacturing demanding fibre-reinforced plastic and composite products. We combine material expertise, production technology and a solution-oriented approach to create practical, customer-specific results.
Our Finnish operating culture is built on quality, reliability and the ability to solve real manufacturing challenges together with our customers.
Composite solutions are suitable for a wide range of mobile applications: working machines, vehicles, rail equipment, marine applications, agricultural and forestry machinery and military vehicles.
Contact Us
Interested in composite or FRP solutions for your machinery or equipment application? Contact LICO — we are happy to discuss your next project and find the right solution for your needs.