Body Materials Currently, the most common materials used in the automobile structure and body panels are steel, plastic, and aluminum. (A few vehicles incorporate carbon fiber but it is very rare.) Some of the types of plastics used in vehicles today are: Compression-molded sheet molding composite (SMC) Injection-molded thermosetting bulk molding compound (BMC) Reinforced-reaction injection molding (RRIM or RIM) urethane elastomers Injection-molded thermoplastics (IMTP) Typically these materials are used in bumpers, spoilers, hoods, trunks, and doors. Also, a flexible SMC has been developed to improve the dent resistance of vertical body panels. Some of the more notable passenger cars that contain a large amount of plastic body panels include the Chevrolet Camaro and Corvette, Pontiac Firebird, and the Saturn. The plastic material does not provide a suitable purchase point for spreader tips. When working on a vehicle that has plastic body panels the rescuer will need to get it out of the way and find solid purchase point on the frame underneath. Composite materials can be tough to cut and demand cutters with superior performance capabilities. Reciprocating Saws may bind up from the melting of the plastic material or melting urethane. Caution should be exercised when cutting this type of material because of the hazardous dust particles. This is particularly true when saws are used. One very common use of plastics is found in bumpers. Using a one-piece honeycomb design manufacturer's are able provide tremendous strength and resilience in a lightweight design. As with many of these plastics and composite materials great care should be taken if they are burning. The products of combustion can be hazardous and proper breathing apparatus should be worn. Urethane/Structural Foam is being used on many new vehicles to strengthen the body frame and make the cabin quieter. Structural foam is often located in the pillars/post, rocker channels and cross members. The foam prevents the posts from crushing during cutting operations and can be troublesome for some older cutters.