Process/Enabling Technologies  Finalist  Nascote Industries, Inc.

Description   Sequential Coinjected Bumper Fascia
OEM, Model, Model Year   Ford, Explorer Sport Trac, 2001
System Supplier, Contact, Phone   Nascote Industries, Inc., Greg Niedzwiecki, (618)327-4381
Molder/Processor, Contact and Phone   Nascote Industries, Inc., Mike Smith, (618)327-4381
Toolmaker, Contact and Phone   Tycos Tool & Die / Synventive Molding Solutions, Tom Janicki, (248)729-4054
Material Supplier, Contact and Phone   Solvay Engineered Polymers, Tom Foley, (248)391-9519
Generic resin type   TPO
Resin Trade Name   Sequel
Grade   1440
OEM Engineer, Title and Phone   Shawn Morgans/Jim Niemiec, Ford Outfitters Body Exterior, (313)621-8455
Nominated by, Company   Greg Niedzwiecki, Nascote Industries, Inc.
Address   18310 Enterprise Avenue, Nashville, IL 62263
Phone   (618)327-4381
Fax   (618)327-9817
Email   greg_niedzwiecki@nascote.com
Summary Bumper fascia is sequentially coinjected using painted TPO regrind and/or polypropylene in the core along with virgin TPO (with up to 20% unpainted regrind) outer skin. Fascia is partially painted, with a molded in color lower. Weight Savings: None. Cost Savings: TBD Cost Avoidance: Reduced waste removal cost. Avoid having to buy as much virgin TPO material.
Most Innovative Feature Bumper fascia is sequentially coinjected using painted TPO regrind and/or polypropylene in the core along with virgin TPO (with up to 20% unpainted regrind) outer skin.
Other Innovative Features Fascia is partially painted, with a molded in color lower.
Forming Process Co-injection molding utilizing sequential valve gating.
First time process used? Yes (Provisional patent waiting for approval).
Previous Process Used Single Injection Molding with straight virgin TPO (with up to 20% unpainted regrind).
Tooling Innovations Sequential valve gated hot runner manifold capable of co-injection.
New Material Developments Development and certification of core material - specification ASTM D4000 TEO 0120A45070GB093. Also required retesting the fascia to the paint performance specification along with retesting bumper impacts.
Weight Savings None.
Direct Cost Savings Currently evaluating the financial effects of grinding and reusing painted TPO regrind versus sending painted fascias to landfill.
Indirect Cost Savings Reduced waste removal cost. Avoid having to buy as much virgin TPO material.
Direct Consumer Benefit No.
Translates to other Vehicles? Yes.
Safety Benefits None.
Environmental Benefits Re-use painted TPO regrind versus sending to landfill.
Additional Info None.
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