| Summary: |
First current production direct replacement of stamped
steel by plastic for a window lifter plate. Significant cost savings
(amount is confidential). |
| Most Innovative Feature: |
Direct Metal (stamped Steel) to Plastic Conversion of the
Lifter Plate (this is part of the window regulator). |
| Other Innovative Features: |
Part manufacturing process reduced from a 3 step process (1
Stamp steel part produced, then 2 acetal overmouldings added to this part)
to a shoot and ship part. |
| What Forming Process? |
Injection Molding |
| First Time Process Used: |
No, but it is the first this large and the first to
directly replace metal in current production. |
| Previous Process: |
Steel Stamping was manufactured, shipped to Injection
molder, then stamping is handloaded into Injection Molding machine and
overmolded with 2 separate moldings added to complete part. |
| Tooling Innovations: |
N/A. |
| New Material Developments: |
N/A. |
| Weight Savings: |
48% |
| Cost Savings: |
Significant Cost Savings, this number is considered
confidential |
| Cost Avoidance: |
No Stamping tooling required, 3 stage process to shoot and
ship part. |
| Direct Consumer Benefit: |
N/A. |
| Translates to Other Vehicles?: |
The concept can be applied, dependent on the door
environment |
| Safety Benefits: |
N/A. |
| Environmental Benefits: |
The lifter plate can be recycled as it is all plastic,
previous process was a galvanized sheet metal. |
| Additional Comments: |
None. |
