| Summary: |
Grille opening reinforcement that controls dimensionally
the headlights, radiator grille, bumper and front wings in position on the
vehicle, produced from a long fiber reinforced polypropylene material that
has good thermal characteristics between -40 and 180C (oven stoving
temperature). Weight savings: 10% vs. thermoset SMC. Cost savings: 10% due
to lower tooling costs. |
| Most Innovative Feature: |
The GOR is an integral component that controls
dimensionally the headlights, radiator grille, bumper and the front wings in
position on the vehicle. |
| Other Innovative Features: |
The GOR incorporates the washer bottle location. |
| What Forming Process? |
Injection Molding. |
| First Time Process Used: |
No. |
| Previous Process: |
Thermoset SMC. |
| Tooling Innovations: |
N/A. |
| New Material Developments: |
Development of a long glass fiber reinforced polypropylene
material that had good thermal characteristics between the operating range
of -40 to +180C (oven stoving temperatures). |
| Weight Savings: |
10% vs. Thermoset SMC. |
| Cost Savings: |
Tooling costs vs. SMC were approximately 10% lower. |
| Cost Avoidance: |
N/A. |
| Direct Consumer Benefit: |
No. |
| Translates to Other Vehicles?: |
Yes. |
| Safety Benefits: |
N/A. |
| Environmental Benefits: |
N/A. |
| Additional Comments: |
This is the first time Jaguar Cars Ltd. has used a
thermoplastic material for this application. |
